IPL 2025: Bumrah eyes return as struggling Mumbai Indians hosts Royal Challengers Bengaluru
For nearly a decade, he has been the go-to saviour — whether for India or Mumbai Indians. No surprise then that with Jasprit Bumrah sidelined for the first fortnight of IPL 2025, MI has struggled to find its rhythm.
His return to the squad on Saturday provided an immediate morale boost. Even at partial intensity, his brief spell at Rohit Sharma in the nets lifted spirits in the MI camp. Rohit, who missed the last game after taking a blow to his knee, is set to return for Monday’s marquee clash against Royal Challengers Bengaluru.
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Head coach Mahela Jayawardene confirmed Bumrah’s availability, a crucial boost for a side that has managed just one win in four matches. Without their pace spearhead and Rohit’s presence, MI has had little to celebrate so far.
The five-time champion now turns to Bumrah to shift momentum and stifle an RCB side that has started strong. With wins over Kolkata Knight Riders and Chennai Super Kings before stumbling against Gujarat Titans, RCB will be eager to add MI to its list of high-profile scalps.
Virat Kohli and Phil Salt will look to counter the threat of Bumrah and Trent Boult on a red-soil surface that favored pacers in MI’s previous home game. At the other end, Josh Hazlewood will aim to make life difficult for Rohit and Co.
With three losses in four outings, MI is running out of time. Can Bumrah spark a turnaround before it’s too late?
