Jasprit Bumrah, India's pace spearhead, has offered a positive update on his fitness amidst ongoing discussions about workload management. The 31-year-old bowler, currently ranked number one in the ICC Test rankings, is a vital component of the Indian cricket team.
Bumrah's fitness has been a topic of concern due to past injuries. He was required to leave the field during Day 3 of the first Test against England, sparking worries about a potential injury. However, he allayed those fears after the day's play. "Feeling good. It is a little bit colder here than India. I am feeling fresh and good, so hopefully good things will follow," Bumrah said in an interaction, suggesting that his brief exit from the field wasn't due to any significant injury issue.
Concerns regarding Bumrah's workload have led to expectations that he will participate in only three of the five Tests against England. This decision is aimed at proactively managing his fitness and preventing potential injuries, ensuring his availability for crucial future tournaments.
Bumrah's recent performance in the first Test against England demonstrated his importance to the team. He picked up the first five-wicket haul of the series, ending with figures of 5/83. Reflecting on his success, Bumrah emphasized the importance of self-belief and hard work. When asked about how he feels about people writing him off after injuries, he said, "People had said in all these years (I will play only) eight months, some said 10 months but now I have played 10 years of international cricket, 12-13 years of IPL. Even now people say (after every injury), he will be finished, he is gone. Let them say, I will do my own work. Every four months these things will crop up, but as long as almighty wants, I will play."
Earlier in the year, Bumrah's return to competitive cricket was delayed as he gradually increased his workload to prevent a stress fracture. Although clinically fit, caution was exercised regarding his participation in the IPL 2025. Sources indicated that Bumrah was diligently working at the BCCI's Centre of Excellence (CoE), gradually increasing his bowling workload.
Mumbai Indians coach Mahela Jayawardene had previously offered a hopeful update, stating, "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."
While there were concerns about Bumrah potentially missing the start of IPL 2025, the latest reports suggest he might join the Mumbai Indians squad sometime in April, after clearing the final rounds of fitness tests.