In a significant development for the struggling Mumbai Indians (MI), their premier fast bowler, Jasprit Bumrah, has rejoined the squad ahead of their highly anticipated home fixture against the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) tonight at the Wankhede Stadium. This news comes as a morale booster for the five-time champions, who have had a rather underwhelming start to the 2025 Indian Premier League (IPL) season.
Bumrah’s return follows a period of rehabilitation at the Board of Control for Cricket in India’s (BCCI) Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru. He had been sidelined since January this year due to stress-related discomfort in his lower back, an injury sustained during the final Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy against Australia in Sydney. This layoff meant he missed India’s subsequent white-ball games and the initial matches of the IPL 2025 season for the Mumbai Indians.
While his presence in the MI camp is undoubtedly a positive sign, reports suggest that Bumrah is unlikely to feature in the playing XI for tonight’s crucial encounter against RCB. Having just received medical clearance, the team management, led by head coach Mahela Jayawardene, will likely be cautious with his comeback. They will be working closely with Bumrah to assess his match fitness and chart out a careful return plan to ensure he is not rushed back into high-intensity competition, potentially risking a recurrence of his injury.
The timing of Bumrah’s return to the squad is significant. Mumbai Indians have faced challenges in the early stages of the tournament, having won only one of their first four matches. Their batting has shown inconsistency, with only Ryan Rickelton and Suryakumar Yadav managing to score half-centuries so far. The middle order has also struggled to capitalize on starts, leaving the team vulnerable in crucial phases of the game. The uncertainty surrounding Rohit Sharma’s fitness in recent matches has further compounded their issues, creating a void at the top of the order and in terms of leadership experience on the field.
The inclusion of Jasprit Bumrah in the squad, even if he doesn’t play tonight, will inject a sense of optimism and experience into the MI setup. Bumrah is arguably one of the best fast bowlers in the world, known for his exceptional control, accurate yorkers, and ability to generate pace. His presence in the dressing room will be invaluable for the team’s morale and could have a positive influence on the younger bowlers in the squad.
Tonight’s match against Royal Challengers Bangalore is a significant one for both teams, who are both aiming to gain momentum in the tournament after mixed starts. RCB have fared slightly better, securing two wins in their first three outings. Historically, the head-to-head record between MI and RCB favors the Mumbai Indians, who have won 19 of the 33 matches played between the two sides in the IPL. However, RCB will be looking to leverage their recent form and capitalize on any potential rustiness in the MI camp due to Bumrah’s absence from the playing field.
The Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai is known for being a high-scoring ground, and tonight’s encounter promises to be a thrilling one, even if Bumrah doesn’t take to the field. The fans will be eager to see how the Mumbai Indians bounce back in their home fixture and whether the return of their star bowler to the squad can provide the much-needed impetus for a turnaround in their campaign. While the “Lion” might not roar on the field tonight, his presence on the sidelines will undoubtedly be a source of inspiration for the Mumbai Indians as they aim to conquer the Royal Challengers Bangalore. Sources and related content
