IPL 2025: "If there's no Jasprit Bumrah…" - Michael Clarke issues big warning to Mumbai Indians

Former Australian captain Michael Clarke has raised concerns over Mumbai Indians (MI) pacer Jasprit Bumrah’s form ahead of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025. Clarke stated that Mumbai Indians, led by Hardik Pandya, might struggle without the pace-bowling spearhead in the early matches of the tournament.

MI head coach Mahela Jayawardene has confirmed that Jasprit Bumrah will miss the first few matches of IPL 2025. The ace pacer is still regaining full match fitness and is undergoing rehabilitation at the BCCI’s Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru. Bumrah has not played competitive cricket since the BGT 2024-25.

Jasprit Bumrah's Absence a Major Concern for MI Ahead of IPL 2025 Opener

The Mumbai team has struggled in season openers since 2012. Bumrah's absence will be a concern for the team ahead of their IPL 2025 clash against Chennai Super Kings (CSK) on Sunday, March 23. However, the pacer could regain full fitness and make his return to competitive cricket by the first week of April.

Mumbai will face another setback as skipper Hardik Pandya is set to miss their season opener. The all-rounder was handed a one-match ban for breaching the over-rate rule three times during the 2024 season. Notably, the third slow over-rate incident took place in MI’s last match of the previous edition.

I'm Just Scared About Jasprit Bumrah - Michael Clarke

MI have not won the title since 2020 despite being the joint-most successful IPL franchise. Michael Clarke believes Jasprit Bumrah’s form will be crucial for MI’s resurgence but raised doubts about the pacer returning to his best.

"I'm just scared about Bumrah. He's had no cricket; he's not starting the tournament so he can't possibly be at his best in the first game. I know he's a freak and he can take five wickets but I think he will get better as the tournament goes. I just don’t know. If there's no Bumrah, Mumbai will find it extremely difficult," Clarke said on the Beyond23 Cricket Podcast.

Mumbai Indians retained Jasprit Bumrah for ₹18 crore ahead of the IPL 2025 auction. The star pacer was the leading wicket-taker for his team in the 2024 season. He picked up 20 wickets in 13 matches at an impressive economy rate of 6.48.

I'm Going to Go With Pat Cummins and Sunrisers Hyderabad - Michael Clarke

Michael Clarke has backed Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) to win the IPL 2025 title under Pat Cummins' captaincy. He stated that their bowling would be the key factor in their title bid. Clarke believes Cummins will be a better captain this season.

"I'm probably going to be a little biased. If I pick a player now, based on favouritism for sure, I'm going to go with Pat Cummins and Sunrisers Hyderabad. Go the Aussies. But again, I think the bowling is important for Sunrisers."

"Their batting is strong enough to win the tournament, no doubt. Patty, as a captain, would have learned a lot as captain so his captaincy will improve this year. But it's just their bowling. They cannot afford their quicks to get injured. Their death bowling is so important, and he [Cummins] is a big part of that," Clarke pointed out.

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