Aakash Chopra highlights 'biggest concern' for MI in IPL 2025
What's the story
Former Indian cricketer Aakash Chopra has flagged Jasprit Bumrah's injury as the biggest concern for the Mumbai Indians (MI) in IPL 2025.
The franchise retained Bumrah for ₹18 crore before the IPL 2025 auction.
However, reports indicate he could miss the early phase of the tournament due to a back injury he picked up during the final Test of Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) 2024-25.
Here's more.
Impact
Bumrah's absence could alter MI's team balance
Chopra voiced his worries on his YouTube channel, saying, "If he isn't available, there is no one like Bumrah. No matter what options you have, it's not going to work."
He added, "It's impossible to get a replacement for Bumrah. So this could be a cause for great concern."
Bumrah's absence, according to Chopra, could force MI to alter their team balance.
Adjustments
MI's potential changes if Bumrah is unavailable
In case Bumrah is unavailable, Chopra opined MI would have to include either Reece Topley or Corbin Bosch in their playing XI.
He said, "If you do that, you will have to remove either Ryan Rickelton or Will Jacks from the top and get Robin Minz in the middle."
This change highlights how much Bumrah's absence would affect MI's plans.
"With Bumrah, you can play a very good team despite playing both Ryan Rickelton and Will Jacks," he added.
Player impact
Franchises face challenges when key players are unavailable
Chopra also emphasized the wider ramifications of a key player's absence.
He said, "The entire scenario changes due to one guy going out because firstly, there is no one like Jassi, and secondly, he is an Indian."
This observation highlights the difficulties franchises encounter when star Indian players are missing.
As an example, he mentioned Suryakumar Yadav's possible absence and its effect on MI.
"You have to make two changes to replace an Indian. That's a big one," he added.
Numbers
Bumrah's stats in 2024 season and overall IPL stats
The pacer bagged 20 scalps in the 2024 edition across 13 matches.
He averaged 16.80 in these matches and owned an economy rate of 6.48. His best match figures were 5/21.
Overall, he has picked up 165 IPL scalps at an average of 22.51 in 133 matches.
Bumrah also boasts an economy rate of 7.30 alongside two five-wicket hauls.