India cricket team faced a significant blow during the fifth and final Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25 as their star pacer and bowling spearhead, Jasprit Bumrah, left the field for scans due to a concerning injury. This unexpected development forced Bumrah to temporarily hand over the captaincy to Virat Kohli, raising concerns for the India team and his IPL franchise, Mumbai Indians (MI) with questions being asked：Who can replace Jasprit Bumrah in IPL 2025？

Jasprit Bumrah was seen leaving the field, before being driven off SCG amid an injury scare in the fifth Test of the Border Gavaskar Trophy.

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— Wisden India (@WisdenIndia) January 4, 2025

Bumrah Got Injured Before IPL 2025

Bumrah, whose career has been frequently interrupted by injuries, is a key figure in both international and domestic cricket. With the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 and the next IPL season on the horizon, fans and team management alike will be hoping for a swift recovery. However, if he is unable to participate in the IPL, Mumbai Indians will need to look for a suitable IPL replacement for Jasprit Bumrah to fill the massive void. Here, we explore three potential players who could be MI replacement for Jasprit Bumrah in the upcoming edition of the IPL.

Possible 3 Players of MI replacement for Jasprit Bumrah

Umesh Yadav

Umesh Yadav brings a wealth of experience to the IPL, having played 148 matches and taken 144 wickets at an economy of 8.45 and an average of 29.83. Known for his ability to strike early, Yadav could be a valuable asset for MI replacement for Jasprit Bumrah, particularly in the powerplay overs where his wicket-taking prowess can provide crucial breakthroughs.

While his skills in the death overs might not match the precision and consistency of Bumrah, Yadav’s extensive experience offers depth, variety, and flexibility to the bowling attack. His inclusion could be the IPL Replacement for Jasprit Bumrah and provide MI with a reliable option to balance their bowling unit and maintain competitiveness in high-pressure situations.

Shardul Thakur

Shardul Thakur has established himself as a dependable bowler in recent IPL seasons, despite his tendency to leak runs at times. Known for his knack for picking up key wickets, Thakur has consistently found teams willing to invest in his services. However, the IPL 2025 auction saw a surprising turn of events, with no franchises showing interest in him, leaving the all-rounder unsold.

Since then, Thakur has made a strong comeback on the domestic circuit. His performances in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy (SMAT) 2024 stood out, showcasing his abilities with both bat and ball. A versatile bowler capable of delivering in all phases of a T20 game, Thakur also offers valuable contributions as a lower-order batter. His all-round capabilities make him a strong contender to be the MI replacement for Jasprit Bumrah in IPL 2025.

Navdeep Saini

Navdeep Saini emerges as the most promising replacement for MI in the absence of Bumrah. While he might not be the first name that comes to mind, Saini’s consistency across all three phases of a T20 game makes him a standout candidate. Among Indian pacers, Saini is the only bowler with an economy rate below 9.5 in all phases of the game and under 9 in both the powerplay and middle overs.

With 23 IPL wickets at an economy of 8.9, Saini has proven his ability to keep runs in check. Although he isn’t a prolific wicket-taker, his overall economy rate of 7.6 after 85 T20 matches underscores his value as a reliable option for controlling the flow of runs. His disciplined bowling could provide MI with the stability needed to manage critical moments in a game. If you ask who can replace Jasprit Bumrah, there is no doubt that he could be one of the best IPL replacement for Jasprit Bumrah.

Affects of Bumrah’s Absence

Bumrah’s unexpected injury during the fifth Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25 has left India and Mumbai Indians facing a critical juncture. The star pacer, a linchpin of both the national team and his IPL franchise, sustained a back injury during the match in Sydney, which not only affected his performance but also India’s ability to level the series. As captain, Bumrah’s unavailability to bowl in the second innings dealt a major blow, allowing Australia to consolidate their position and clinch the series.

Rehab Timeline Unclear

The nature of the injury, which required him to leave the field for scans, has now cast doubts over his immediate cricketing future. Speculation is rife about his availability for the upcoming T20 and ODI series against England, the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, and even the IPL 2025 season. Therefore, MI had to make preparations in advance for an IPL replacement for Jasprit Bumrah. While reports hint at the possibility of Bumrah missing significant matches, including the group stages of the Champions Trophy, the BCCI has yet to issue any definitive updates, as his treatment and rehabilitation plans are still being finalized.

Who Can Replace Jasprit Bumrah In IPL 2025？

This uncertainty surrounding IPL replacement for Jasprit Bumrah has forced MI to start considering potential replacements for the ace pacer. Bumrah’s unmatched skills, particularly in death overs, are irreplaceable, but the franchise must prepare for the worst-case scenario. Identifying bowlers who can step in and provide some semblance of his impact has become imperative. Players like Navdeep Saini, Shardul Thakur, and Umesh Yadav are being evaluated as possible replacements. While none may fully replicate his brilliance, their inclusion could help MI maintain a competitive edge in IPL 2025.