IPL 2025: 3 Players who can replace Jasprit Bumrah in Mumbai Indians Playing XI

IPL 2025- 3 Players who can replace Jasprit Bumrah in Mumbai Indians Playing XI (Source -Getty Images)

Mumbai Indians (MI) will begin their Indian Premier League (IPL 2025) campaign without their pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah, who is set to miss the first few games as he continues his recovery from a back injury. Bumrah, who sustained the injury during India’s final Border-Gavaskar Trophy Test in Sydney on January 4, is expected to join MI by early April, subject to clearance from the medical team of the BCCI (Board of Control for Cricket in India).

This becomes another setback for the 31-year-old, who has struggled with back issues in recent years. Having missed the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, which India won, Bumrah remains under close supervision at the National Cricket Academy in Bengaluru. The exact number of matches he will miss remains uncertain, but MI will have to play in the early fixtures without their star pacer. Notably, the Ahmedabad-born pacer had missed the 2023 edition of the cash-rich league due to a similar back issue.

The five-time champions begin their season against Chennai Super Kings (March 23) before locking horns with Gujarat Titans (March 29) and playing their first home game against Kolkata Knight Riders (March 31). With Bumrah sidelined, MI’s think tank must strategize on finding a temporary replacement. The onus will now fall on Trent Boult, Corbin Bosch, and Deepak Chahar to handle the pace attack until their ace bowler returns.

Here are the three possible replacements for Jasprit Bumrah in Mumbai Indians playing XI:

3. Reece Topley

The Mumbai-based franchise secured English pacer Reece Topley for INR 75 lakhs in the IPL 2025 auction, and he could prove to be a valuable asset in Bumrah’s absence. The 6-foot-7-inch tall left-armer’s advantage of generating extra bounce and movement makes him different and unique. Known for his bowling variations, he has picked wickets in T20 cricket consistently, with 230 scalps at an average of 23.20.

Playing for Royal Challengers Bengaluru in the previous two seasons, his IPL numbers are decent, with 5 wickets in 5 matches so far. With Trent Boult sharing the new ball alongside Deepak Chahar, Topley, alongside skipper Hardik Pandya, can come into attack during the second spell. His bounce and variations will be effective on the Wankhede pitch, making him a smart replacement option.

2. Naman Dhir:

With Jasprit Bumrah potentially missing the initial games of the season, MI might look at their all-rounder options, and Naman Dhir could be a strong contender to fill the void. Retained for INR 5.25 crore using the RTM card, the Punjab batter was impressive in IPL 2024. The 25-year-old was picked up for his base price of INR 20 lakh in his debut season and scored 140 runs in seven matches at an average of 23.33, including a brilliant 28-ball 62* against Lucknow Super Giants. With the ball, he got the opportunity to bowl 28 deliveries but went wicketless.

Meanwhile, Dhir has been in solid form in domestic cricket, producing good performances in the Ranji Trophy and Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy. His 466-run tally at a strike rate of 193 in the Sher-E-Punjab T20 Cup further displays his capabilities. While MI is set to field multiple all-rounders, including Hardik Pandya, Will Jacks, and Mitchell Santner, Dhir must justify his hefty price tag. Additionally, his part-time off-spin could come in handy in the middle overs.

Also Check- IPL 2025: 3 players who can replace Hardik Pandya as captain in opener

1. Arjun Tendulkar:

The son of Indian batting legend Sachin Tendulkar, Arjun could get a few games for Mumbai Indians in the first few matches of the upcoming season. Having been a part of MI since 2021, Arjun Tendulkar made his IPL debut in 2023 after spending two seasons on the bench. Despite a wicketless debut, he picked up wickets in subsequent games, including dismissing Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Prabhsimran Singh, and Wriddhiman Saha.

Picked up for INR 30 lakh in the 2025 auction, Arjun has played five IPL matches so far, taking three wickets. While his economic rate remains on the higher side, his ability to provide breakthroughs and contribute with the bat makes him a valuable asset. With the bat, he has added just 13 runs. Having gained experience from the past few seasons, the southpaw will be confident in displaying his skills.

Disclaimer: This latest news is based on the author’s understanding, analysis, and instinct. As you review this information, consider the points mentioned and form your own conclusions.

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