xtratime Logo

Xtra Time Web Desk: The much-anticipated Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 is set to commence on March 22, with defending champions Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) taking on Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) at Eden Gardens. However, multiple key players, including Jasprit Bumrah, Sanju Samson, and Mayank Yadav, remain at the National Cricket Academy (NCA)/Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru as they recover from injuries.

Jasprit Bumrah to Miss Start of IPL 2025  

Mumbai Indians (MI) star pacer Jasprit Bumrah is expected to miss the initial phase of IPL 2025 due to a persistent lower back injury. Bumrah sustained the injury during the Border-Gavaskar Trophy in January and subsequently missed India's victorious Champions Trophy campaign.

Read More:

IPL 2025: Rohit Sharma spends quality time with family before IPL! Find pics here

Currently undergoing rehabilitation at the NCA, Bumrah is being closely monitored by outgoing BCCI Sports Science chief Nitin Patel. According to a Cricbuzz report, he is likely to be cleared by the end of the month, though an exact return date remains uncertain. In his absence, Mumbai Indians will rely on pacers Trent Boult, Corbin Bosch, and Deepak Chahar, while captain Hardik Pandya may have to shoulder additional bowling responsibilities.

Sanju Samson Nearing Full Recovery  

Rajasthan Royals (RR) captain Sanju Samson, who underwent surgery for a fractured right index finger, has reportedly completed his recovery process. While he has cleared fitness tests for batting, he still awaits NCA's final clearance for wicketkeeping duties.

Should Samson be unable to take up wicketkeeping, RR may turn to Dhruv Jurel for the role. Rajasthan Royals are scheduled to play their first match against Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) on March 23 in Hyderabad.

Mayank Yadav Set to Miss First Half of IPL 2025

Lucknow Super Giants' (LSG) express pacer Mayank Yadav is expected to miss the first half of the tournament due to a lumbar stress injury. As per an ESPNcricinfo report, he continues to undergo rehabilitation at the Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru.

Injury Concerns for LSG: Avesh Khan and Mohsin Khan

 LSG pacer Avesh Khan is also recovering from a knee cartilage issue. He reportedly took injections following Madhya Pradesh's final Ranji Trophy match against Kerala in January and is currently rehabilitating at the NCA.

Read More:

What idea did Rohit Sharma get to continue play till 2027 world cup? You will be surprised to know!

Meanwhile, Mohsin Khan, another LSG left-arm pacer, remains at the Centre of Excellence with an undisclosed injury. His last competitive appearance was on December 31 in a Vijay Hazare Trophy match, where he bowled only 5.5 overs.