Former Indian Test opener Aakash Chopra believes Jasprit Bumrah’s absence will be a concern for Mumbai Indians in the upcoming IPL 2025. Bumrah suffered a back injury in the fifth Test match against Australia at Sydney and could not bowl in the second innings.

Subsequently, the gun fast bowler was ruled out of the Champions Trophy. The ace pacer is yet to achieve full fitness ahead of the IPL and he is expected to miss the first three matches for Mumbai Indians. 

Bumrah has been absolutely sensational for Mumbai Indians at both end of the innings and Chopra said there is no replacement for the pack leader.

“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,” Aakash Chopra said on his YouTube Channel.

“It’s impossible to get a replacement for Bumrah. So this could be a cause for great concern. Then you will have to change your balance. With Bumrah, you can play a very good team despite playing both Ryan Rickelton and Will Jacks. You can keep (Trent) Boult and (Mitchell) Santner, and you would be fine,” Chopra added.

Chopra noted that in Bumrah’s absence, MI will need to play either Reece Topley or Corbin Bosch.

“However, 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,” he said.

MI will begin their IPL 2025 campaign against CSK at the MA Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai on 23rd March.