Jasprit Bumrah likely to miss initial IPL matches due to back injury

Jasprit Bumrah may miss the initial matches of the Indian Premier League (IPL) due to a lower back injury and is expected to join Mumbai Indians in April. The Indian pacer, who is currently undergoing rehabilitation at the BCCI's Centre of Excellence (CoE) in Bengaluru, has resumed bowling but is not yet at full intensity. His primary focus remains regaining fitness ahead of India’s crucial five-Test series in England later this year.

A BCCI source confirmed that while Bumrah’s medical reports are satisfactory, he is unlikely to be fit for IPL’s opening phase. "He has resumed bowling at the CoE. However, it is unlikely he'll be able to bowl at the start of the IPL in another fortnight. As per current status, the first week of April looks a more realistic date for him to get back to high-intensity cricket," the source said.

As a result, Bumrah could miss the first three or four matches for the Mumbai Indians. His recovery is being carefully managed, with the medical team gradually increasing his workload. "It's standard operating procedure. Unless he is able to bowl at full intensity without discomfort for several days, he won't be cleared to play," the source added.

Lucknow Super Giants pacer Mayank Yadav is also expected to return in April, adding to the list of fast bowlers recovering ahead of the IPL.

Will Jasprit Bumrah be fit for England Tests?

With India's grueling five-Test tour of England following the IPL, ensuring Bumrah’s availability for the series is a top priority. His role in the squad is even more crucial, given the uncertainty around Rohit Sharma’s future as Test captain. If selectors opt against a younger leader, Bumrah is seen as a strong contender for the role, provided his fitness remains intact.

However, selectors are cautious about relying solely on Bumrah and Mohammed Shami, given their injury history. "How Shami and Bumrah endure the long IPL will be important. If the selectors get both of them together for two-three Tests, it will be the ideal situation," sources revealed. The team management is wary of overburdening the duo, recalling Bumrah’s injury setback in Australia, where his absence disrupted India’s bowling attack.

Meanwhile, Mohammed Siraj is almost certain to retain his Test place, while Harshit Rana, Akash Deep, Mukesh Kumar, and Arshdeep Singh are also in contention. The upcoming India 'A' tour will play a key role in finalizing the fast-bowling lineup for the England series.

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