Mumbai | March 25, 2025:
The much-anticipated 18th season of the Indian Premier League (IPL 2025) kicked off with excitement, fireworks, and full stadiums — but also with the notable absence of key Indian stars, including Jasprit Bumrah and Hardik Pandya.
Pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah, who plays for Mumbai Indians, has been ruled out of the initial matches due to an undisclosed injury sustained during the India-England Test series earlier this year. According to team insiders, the medical team is closely monitoring his recovery, and he is expected to return to the field by mid-April if rehabilitation progresses as planned.
Adding to the disruption, Hardik Pandya, who recently moved back to Mumbai Indians and was named captain, is serving a suspension following a breach of the BCCI’s code of conduct during the international season. The exact duration of his ban has not been officially disclosed, but sources suggest he may miss multiple matches in the early phase of the tournament.
🔄 Impact on Team Strategies
The absence of both star players has forced Mumbai Indians and other affected franchises to restructure their playing XI, adjust leadership dynamics, and rely more on uncapped or younger talent. Fantasy league predictions have also shifted dramatically due to these high-profile omissions.
Analysts point out that:
- Without Bumrah’s death-over precision, MI’s bowling attack lacks firepower.
- Pandya’s absence as an all-rounder and captain has left a vacuum in both leadership and lower-order hitting.
Youngsters like Tilak Varma and Arjun Tendulkar are being looked at as potential breakout performers to fill the gap left by these seniors.
🗣️ Fans & Experts React
Cricket fans took to social media to express concern and disappointment over the star duo’s absence.
“IPL without Bumrah feels incomplete,” tweeted one fan, while others called for greater transparency on Hardik’s suspension details.
Cricket experts, including former cricketers and commentators, have emphasized the importance of player workload management ahead of the T20 World Cup 2025, suggesting this rest period might ultimately benefit Indian cricket in the long run.
