Jasprit Bumrah, India’s premier fast bowler, is expected to make his return in IPL 2025 after recovering from a serious back injury. However, former New Zealand pacer and renowned bowling coach Shane Bond has urged caution in managing Bumrah’s workload to prevent any potential setbacks.
Bumrah’s Injury and Recovery
Bumrah has been battling a back injury for over a year, which forced him to miss several key tournaments, including the 2023 ODI World Cup and multiple bilateral series. His rehabilitation process has been closely monitored by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), ensuring a structured return.
Key Details of Bumrah’s Injury:
- Type of Injury: Stress fracture in the lower back
- Time Out: Over 12 months
- Rehabilitation: Extensive physiotherapy, strength training, and monitored bowling sessions
Shane Bond’s Advice on Managing Bumrah’s Return
Shane Bond, who has worked closely with Bumrah in the IPL, emphasized that the speedster should not rush into playing a full IPL season. Instead, a gradual reintroduction would be ideal to avoid overexertion.
Key Recommendations from Bond:
- Limited Overs Restriction: Reduce the number of overs bowled in the initial games.
- Monitor Workload: Avoid playing back-to-back matches in quick succession.
- Focus on Fitness: Ensure complete match fitness before full-scale participation.
- Bowling Efficiency: Prioritize accuracy over pace to minimize strain on the back.
Bumrah’s Impact on Mumbai Indians in IPL 2025
Bumrah has been the backbone of the Mumbai Indians’ bowling attack for several years. His return will be crucial for the franchise as they aim to regain their dominance in IPL 2025.
| Season | Matches Played | Wickets | Economy Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 | 16 | 19 | 6.63 |
| 2020 | 15 | 27 | 6.73 |
| 2021 | 14 | 21 | 7.45 |
| 2022 | 14 | 15 | 7.18 |
Challenges and Precautions for Bumrah’s Comeback
Bumrah’s return will not be without challenges. Managing his workload effectively will be critical to ensuring long-term fitness.
Potential Risks:
- Re-injury: If overburdened too soon, there’s a risk of aggravating his back issue.
- Reduced Effectiveness: A cautious approach might limit his impact in early games.
- Match Fitness: Long breaks from competitive cricket require time to regain rhythm.
Precautionary Measures:
- Rotation Policy: Mumbai Indians may rotate him with other pacers to manage workload.
- Gradual Increase in Overs: He should start with controlled spells before bowling full quota.
- Proper Rest Between Games: Ensuring sufficient recovery time between matches.
Comparing Bumrah’s Bowling Workload to Other Fast Bowlers
To understand the impact of workload on fast bowlers, here’s a comparison of Bumrah’s workload with other top pacers:
| Player | Total Matches (IPL) | Average Overs Per Match | Injury History |
| Jasprit Bumrah | 120 | 3.8 | Stress Fracture |
| Pat Cummins | 55 | 3.9 | Multiple Back Injuries |
| Kagiso Rabada | 63 | 4.0 | Knee and Back Issues |
| Jofra Archer | 48 | 3.7 | Elbow and Back Injuries |
Conclusion
While Bumrah’s return is highly anticipated, a cautious approach is necessary to ensure his long-term success. Shane Bond’s advice to manage his workload strategically will be key in keeping him fit throughout IPL 2025 and beyond. Mumbai Indians and Team India will closely monitor his progress, hoping for a smooth and effective comeback for their star pacer.
