Jasprit Bumrah’s long-awaited return has come at a critical juncture for Mumbai Indians, who are struggling for consistency in IPL 2025. The ace pacer, who has been sidelined since January due to a back injury sustained during India’s tour of Australia, is finally available for selection—and that’s music to MI fans’ ears ahead of their high-stakes clash against Royal Challengers Bengaluru at the Wankhede on Monday.

Confirming Bumrah’s return, Mumbai’s Global Head of Performance, Mahela Jayawardene, said on Sunday, “He is available. He is training today, so he should be available.” Bumrah’s availability couldn’t have come at a better time, with Mumbai having lost three of their first four games. His presence not only adds teeth to the bowling attack but also injects calm leadership into the side’s relatively young bowling unit.

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Though he’s returning after a long layoff, Mahela Jayawardene stressed the importance of easing him back. “Knowing Jasprit, he’ll be up for it. We’re happy to have him back—not just for his skills, but for the experience and guidance he brings. Whether it’s Boult, Chahar, or any youngster, his insight is invaluable.”

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Ahead of the game, MI even shared a training clip of Bumrah sending down a scorching yorker—just enough to whet the appetite of fans and signal his readiness. But the management is understandably cautious.

Jasprit Bumrah has been gradually building his workload at the BCCI’s National Cricket Academy in Bengaluru, with an eye on long-term fitness—especially with the five-Test tour of England in June that begins India’s WTC 2025-27 campaign. Bumrah has been synonymous with MI since his IPL debut in 2013, collecting 165 wickets in 133 matches.

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He missed only the 2023 season due to injury, yet bounced back in 2024 to become MI’s top wicket-taker with 20 scalps in 13 games—including a fiery 5/21. As MI prepare for a must-win game against an RCB batting lineup featuring the likes of Kohli and Salt, the return of Jasprit Bumrah is more than a boost—it’s a lifeline.