Mumbai Indians Fired Massive Jasprit Bumrah Warning Ahead Of IPL 2025: "He Is A Freak But..."

Former Australia captain Michael Clarke feels pacer Jasprit Bumrah's injury might have a negative impact on Mumbai Indians (MI)'s IPL 2025 campaign. Bumrah will miss the first few games of the tournament as he is currently recuperating from a back injury at the BCCI Centre of Excellence at Bengaluru. MI head coach Mahela Jayawardene confirmed Bumrah would be needing some time to recover properly, but admitted his absence leaves a big void as the team bids for a record sixth IPL title.

Speaking on Beyond23 Cricket Podcast, Clarke questioned Bumrah's effectiveness once he is back, saying that the former would need some time to get upto full speed.

"I'm just scared about Bumrah. He's had no cricket; he's not starting the tournament so he can't possibly be at his best in the first game. I know he's a freak and he can take five wickets but I think he will get better as the tournament goes. I just don't know. If there's no Bumrah, Mumbai will find it extremely difficult," said Clarke.

Bumrah has been sidelined since the final Test against Australia at Sydney in early January, when he could not bowl in the second innings as the hosts chased down 162 to seal a 3-1 series victory. As a result, he had also missed India's successful Champions Trophy campaign.

On being asked to pick his favourites for IPL 2025, Clarke backed SunRisers Hyderabad (SRH) to go all the way, despite admitting that their bowling would be the deciding factor.

"I'm probably going to be a little biased. If I pick a player now, based on favouritism for sure, I'm going to go with Pat Cummins and Sunrisers Hyderabad. Go the Aussies. But again, I think the bowling is important for Sunrisers. Their batting is strong enough to win the tournament, no doubt. Patty,