Jasprit Bumrah's career destroyed? Indian pacer joins NCA right before IPL 2025

Jasprit Bumrah has reportedly arrived at the National Cricket Academy (NCA) in Bengaluru to assess his fitness for the upcoming Indian Premier League 2025 (IPL 2025), where the premier Indian fast bowler will represent the five-time champions Mumbai Indians.

This is Jasprit Bumrah’s second visit to the National Cricket Academy (NCA) in a short span, as he is aiming to get clearance to participate in the upcoming IPL 2025, starting on March 22, with the defending champions KKR facing RCB in the tournament opener at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata.

Jasprit Bumrah undergoing a final fitness assessment at NCA

According to Cricbuzz, Bumrah faced some discomfort while bowling during his previous visit, leading NCA officials to suggest specific exercises and a follow-up assessment of the Indian speedster. Now, with a more optimistic outlook, the Indian pacer's progress is being closely monitored at the NCA and he hopes to get clearance this time.

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If Bumrah manages to bowl without any discomfort, he could receive the green signal to play in the IPL 2025. However, it will take a week to make the final call, which means Bumrah is likely to miss Mumbai Indians' first two matches in the upcoming tournament.

Meanwhile, Mumbai Indians (MI) coach Mahela Jayawardene remains optimistic about Jasprit Bumrah’s recovery as the fast bowler continues his rehabilitation. On Wednesday, Jayawardene expressed hope over Bumrah’s availability but acknowledged the uncertainty.

Mahela Jayawardene optimistic about Jasprit Bumrah’s return, awaits NCA clearance

The MI head coach has mentioned that Bumrah has started his recovery process and that the team is waiting for further updates from the NCA. He added that the pacer is in good spirits, and the team is hopeful he will rejoin them soon.

Mahela Jayawardene said at the media conference, “He just started that progress. We have to wait and see what their feedback is on him. At the moment, everything is going well, but obviously, it is on a day-to-day basis, the progress. He is in good spirits, and hopefully, he can join the team sooner.”

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Jayawardene admitted that Bumrah’s absence is a challenge, given his stature as one of the best bowlers in the world and his being a key player for the Mumbai Indians over the years, but they are hopeful about the positive feedback from the NCA.

He signed off by saying, “Obviously, not having him is a challenge. He is one of the best bowlers in the world, and he has been a fantastic pro for us for many years.”

Sanju Samson to return to NCA next month for final fitness clearance

On the other hand, Indian wicketkeeper-batter and Rajasthan Royals captain Sanju Samson is also set to return to the NCA next month for a final fitness assessment. However, Samson has been given partial clearance, which allows him to bat but not keep wickets in the upcoming IPL 2025, as he is still recovering from surgery on his right index finger.

Resulting in, Rajasthan Royals have decided to play Samson only as an impact player until he gets clearance from the NCA to play as a wicketkeeper-batter in the upcoming tournament. In his absence behind the stumps, Riyan Parag will keep the wicket for the Royals. After playing three matches in the upcoming IPL 2025, Samson will undergo another evaluation at the NCA to determine whether he can resume his wicketkeeping duties.