Hardik Pandya finally announces Jasprit Bumrah's IPL 2025 return date

Mumbai Indians captain Hardik Pandya, on Friday (April 4), delivered an update on the much-awaited Jasprit Bumrah's return to action. The India allrounder spoke about his teammate at the toss for the LSG vs MI game at the Ekana Cricket Stadium in Lucknow.

Jasprit Bumrah has been in rehab since January, nursing a stress-related discomfort in his lower back. He last played a competitive game during the Sydney Test against Australia. The India pace spearhead suffered the injury setback on the second day of the Test and did not take any further part. He also missed India's victorious campaign in the ICC Champions Trophy.

Also Read: Revealed: Why is Rohit Sharma not playing today's match for MI against LSG in IPL 2025?

Jasprit Bumrah was included in the preliminary squad as he was expected to be fit for the marquee event. However, he failed to recover fully and was not named in India's final squad. Later, reports stated that while the pacer would miss the IPL games in March, he would be joining the MI squad in April.

Jasprit Bumrah set to return:

However, Jasprit Bumrah is yet to join the MI squad although Hardik Pandya is confident that the pacer will be a part of the team soon. Speaking at the toss, the MI captain stated that Bumrah would be back soon.

"I think we in a group have spoken that we don't want to talk about the wickets. We are here to play good cricket. That's the talk we have had. Let's not talk about the surfaces as a team. I think adaptation (key to success in IPL).

"Sticking to right plans and being smart. Lot of runs are being scored. Cricket is situation based. Rohit was hit on the knee during practice . He is missing out. Jasprit (Bumrah) should be back soon," said Pandya.

Meanwhile, a report in ESPNcricinfo has stated that Bumrah is also likely to miss MI's next game against Royal Challengers Bengaluru. He is currently building his bowling workload at the BCCI's Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru.

The report stated that the pacer is close to taking the final round of fitness tests. He would be allowed to join the MI squad only after he gets the green light from the BCCI medical team.