India has been dealt a significant blow during the fifth and final Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25. Star pacer Jasprit Bumrah, the spearhead of India’s bowling attack, left the field for scans, handing over the captaincy to Virat Kohli. With Bumrah’s career often marred by injuries, this incident has raised concerns for both Team India and his IPL franchise, Mumbai Indians.
As fans and teams await updates on his fitness, there’s already speculation about possible replacements if Bumrah is unavailable for IPL 2025. Here are three players who could fill the void in the Mumbai Indians squad.
3. Umesh Yadav – The Experienced Campaigner
Umesh Yadav brings a wealth of experience to the table, with 148 IPL matches under his belt and 144 wickets to his name. Known for his ability to strike in the powerplay, Yadav can be a valuable addition to Mumbai Indians’ bowling unit.
While his economy rate of 8.45 and average of 29.83 suggest room for improvement, his knack for picking up early breakthroughs could offset the absence of Bumrah. However, his skills at the death may not match Bumrah’s precision. Despite this, Yadav’s experience adds depth, variety, and stability to the team.
2. Vidhwath Kaverappa – The Rising Star
Vidhwath Kaverappa has been turning heads in domestic T20 cricket with his consistent performances. In just 14 matches, he has claimed an impressive 25 wickets, boasting an average of 12.48 and a miserly economy rate of 6.13.
What makes Kaverappa a standout choice is his ability to deliver in all phases of the game. Whether it’s the powerplay, middle overs, or death, Kaverappa has shown he can shift the momentum in his team’s favor. His potential could make him an exciting addition to the Mumbai Indians setup.
1. Shardul Thakur – The All-Round Utility
Shardul Thakur has proven himself as a dependable bowler in the IPL, though his economy rate has often been a concern for teams. Surprisingly, Thakur went unsold in the IPL 2025 auction, despite his utility as a bowler and a lower-order batter.
Since then, Thakur has showcased his skills in domestic cricket, particularly during the SMAT 2024 tournament. His all-round contributions with both bat and ball make him a valuable asset. Thakur’s versatility in all phases of the game could provide Mumbai Indians with much-needed flexibility and balance.
Mumbai Indians’ Road Ahead
While Jasprit Bumrah’s fitness remains a top priority for Team India and Mumbai Indians, these three players offer potential solutions if the ace pacer is ruled out. Each of them brings unique strengths to the table, and their inclusion could help Mumbai Indians maintain their competitive edge in IPL 2025.
Fans will be hoping for Bumrah’s swift recovery, but Mumbai Indians’ proactive approach in identifying replacements ensures they’re ready to adapt to any challenge.(cricket betting sites)