The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 is just around the corner, but several franchises are facing a serious crisis due to injuries to key players. Teams like Mumbai Indians (MI), Lucknow Supergiants (LSG), and Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) are struggling to finalize their squad combinations as some of their top cricketers are battling fitness concerns. With the tournament set to begin on March 22, the uncertainty surrounding the participation of these injured stars is a major cause of concern.
Mumbai Indians Desperately Await Jasprit Bumrah’s Return
One of the biggest setbacks for Mumbai Indians is the absence of their ace pacer Jasprit Bumrah. The right-arm fast bowler has not played since the Test series against Australia in Sydney and has been undergoing rehabilitation at the National Cricket Academy (NCA). Although he is expected to return later in the tournament, the franchise is still uncertain about his availability for the entire season. Bumrah’s absence weakens MI’s bowling attack significantly, as he has been their premier strike bowler for several years.
In an attempt to cover this gap, Mumbai Indians have already called up other pacers as replacements. However, finding a bowler who can replicate Bumrah’s effectiveness in the powerplay and death overs remains a tough challenge.
Lucknow Supergiants Face Fast Bowling Crisis
The Lucknow Supergiants are facing an even bigger problem, with multiple pacers struggling with injuries. Mayank Yadav, one of the most promising young speedsters in the league, is in doubt for the initial phase of IPL 2025. Additionally, Mohsin Khan and Avesh Khan are also undergoing rehabilitation at the NCA, raising concerns over their participation. Without these key bowlers, LSG’s fast bowling department looks significantly weakened.
Although Shamar Joseph and Akashdeep are available, the team management will have to rethink their strategy if the injured players fail to recover in time. If LSG’s pace attack does not get reinforcement soon, their performance could take a hit in the early matches of IPL 2025.
Kolkata Knight Riders Lose Umran Malik, Bring in Chetan Sakariya
The Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) have also suffered a setback with Umran Malik ruled out due to injury. Known for his raw pace, Malik’s absence leaves a void in the KKR pace department. The franchise has brought in Chetan Sakariya as his replacement, but whether Sakariya can replicate Malik’s impact remains to be seen.
KKR has been relying on young fast bowlers in recent seasons, and losing a player like Malik could impact their strategy. The management will have to rethink their approach and find alternative solutions quickly.
Punjab Kings Concerned Over Lockie Ferguson’s Fitness
The Punjab Kings (PBKS) are also in a dilemma as their key pacer Lockie Ferguson is struggling with fitness issues. The New Zealand speedster, known for his express pace and ability to deliver in the death overs, is an integral part of PBKS’s bowling unit. However, his uncertain availability puts the team in a tricky situation.
The Punjab Kings are hopeful that Ferguson will recover in time, but if he fails to regain match fitness, the franchise might have to look for an alternative overseas pacer.
Sanju Samson Cleared for Rajasthan Royals
Unlike other franchises struggling with injuries, the Rajasthan Royals have received some good news. Their captain Sanju Samson, who sustained a finger injury during the England series, has been cleared to participate in IPL 2025. The wicketkeeper-batsman is expected to join the squad soon and lead RR from the start of the season.
This is a big relief for Rajasthan, as Samson is a crucial player both with the bat and behind the stumps. His leadership will be vital in guiding the Royals to a strong start in the tournament.
Fitness Concerns for Australian Fast Bowlers
Three key Australian fast bowlers—Pat Cummins (SRH), Josh Hazlewood (RCB), and Mitchell Starc (DC)—are also facing fitness concerns ahead of IPL 2025. All three pacers missed the Champions Trophy due to injuries, raising doubts over their match readiness for the IPL.
While these bowlers are expected to play in the league, their availability for the early matches remains uncertain. If they do not recover in time, their respective franchises might have to look for temporary replacements or adjust their bowling strategies accordingly.
How Will Teams Cope With These Injuries?
The injuries to key players just before the start of IPL 2025 have put multiple franchises in a tight spot. Here’s how some teams might cope with the challenges:
- Mumbai Indians: If Bumrah remains unavailable, MI will need to rely on young pacers and possibly explore overseas options to strengthen their bowling attack.
- Lucknow Supergiants: With multiple bowlers injured, LSG might have to push Shamar Joseph and Akashdeep into key roles, or find replacements quickly.
- Kolkata Knight Riders: With Umran Malik out, Chetan Sakariya has been brought in, but KKR may need to shuffle their bowling combination to maintain balance.
- Punjab Kings: If Lockie Ferguson is ruled out, PBKS might need to look for another overseas pacer who can fill the void.
- Rajasthan Royals: The return of Sanju Samson is a big boost, allowing RR to field a full-strength squad from the beginning.
Conclusion: A Challenging Season Ahead
The injuries to several star players have put multiple IPL franchises under pressure even before the season kicks off. While some teams are still hopeful that their key players will recover in time, others are already making adjustments to cope with their absences. With IPL 2025 set to begin on March 22, the availability of these injured stars will be a decisive factor in shaping the tournament.
As teams scramble to find solutions, fans will be eagerly watching to see how franchises navigate these early setbacks. Will the injured stars make a strong comeback, or will their absence derail their team’s campaign? Only time will tell.
