IPL 2025: Aakash Chopra warns Mumbai Indians about Jasprit Bumrah's absence
Published - 15 Mar 2025, 05:07 PM | Updated - 15 Mar 2025, 11:47 PM
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Former Indian batter and commentator Aakash Chopra has warned Mumbai Indians about the possible absence of Jasprit Bumrah for the start of the upcoming IPL 2025. Chopra believes that if Jasprit Bumrah is not fit, things won’t work in favor of Mumbai Indians at the start of the season.
Currently, Mumbai Indians face a potential setback, with Jasprit Bumrah’s availability in doubt for the initial phase of the upcoming IPL 2025. The Indian speedster is still recovering from a back injury sustained during the final Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25 in Australia.
Mumbai Indians face major setback as Jasprit Bumrah’s availability for IPL 2025 remains uncertain
Chopra reckoned that the absence of Bumrah, who was retained by the MI for INR 18 crore, could disrupt the five-time IPL champions’ team balance, as they would be forced to reshuffle their overseas player combination at the start of the season.
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Aakash Chopra said on his YouTube channel, "Is there any concern? One is, what about Jasprit Bumrah's injury? It seems like Bumrah might not be available at the start, and if he isn't available, there is no one like Bumrah. No matter what options you have, it's not going to work. It’s impossible to get a replacement for Bumrah. So, this could be a cause for great concern.”
The cricket pundit mentioned that the MI can play a very good team even if they go with both Ryan Rickelton and Will Jacks; they can still play Trent Boult and Mitchell Santner, with Bumrah leading the pace attack, but the Indian star’s absence will change the entire situation.
Aakash Chopra says Jasprit Bumrah’s absence could force MI to reshuffle overseas player combination
In Bumrah’s absence, the former Indian cricketer believes that Mumbai might have to field an additional overseas pacer, either Reece Topley or Corbin Bosch, which could lead to changes in the batting lineup.
Chopra further explained, “If Bumrah is not available, you will have to add an overseas fast bowler. You will have to play either Reece Topley or Corbin Bosch. If you do that, you will have to remove either Ryan Rickelton or Will Jacks from the top and get Robin Minz in the middle.”
Highlighting MI’s challenge in replacing Bumrah, Chopra has stressed that there is no bowler who can truly fill his shoes in the line-up. His presence allows Mumbai to maintain flexibility in their overseas slots, but without him, they may have to sacrifice either Ryan Rickelton or Will Jacks to accommodate a foreign pacer, according to the commentator.
'You have to make two changes to replace an Indian'
Chopra signed off by saying, “The entire scenario changes due to one guy going out because, firstly, there is no one like Jassi, and secondly, he is an Indian. You have to make two changes to replace an Indian. That's a big one. One player goes out, and you have to make a minimum of two changes.”
Notably, Mumbai Indians will open their IPL 2025 campaign against Chennai Super Kings on March 23 at the Chepauk Stadium in Chennai.
