A back injury ruled Jasprit Bumrah out of the entire IPL 2023, and his absence was sorely felt.
The Mumbai Indians (MI) are the most decorated franchise in the history of the Indian Premier League (IPL), having clinched the coveted trophy five times. A significant contributor to this dominance has been their fast bowler, Jasprit Bumrah. Often referred to as MI’s “golden goose,” Bumrah’s return to action in IPL 2024 is a massive shot in the arm for the Mumbai franchise.
Bumrah’s story with MI is one of mutual success. A young and unknown quantity in 2013, he impressed the team management with his raw pace and unconventional bowling action during a net session. This led to his IPL debut, where he announced himself on the big stage with the wicket of Virat Kohli. Since then, Bumrah has become the spearhead of the MI bowling attack, his ability to swing the new ball and york the old one at will making him a nightmare for batsmen.
His impact goes beyond mere statistics. Bumrah’s presence on the field inspires confidence in his teammates and creates a sense of intimidation in the opposition camp. He is a match-winner, capable of single-handedly turning the tide of a game with a fiery spell. This was evident in the 2019 IPL final, where his sensational bowling effort against the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) played a pivotal role in MI’s triumph.
Bumrah’s absence in IPL 2023 was a huge miss for Mumbai
The 2023 season, however, highlighted MI’s vulnerability in Bumrah’s absence. A back injury ruled him out of the entire tournament, and his absence was sorely felt. The team’s bowling lacked a genuine strike bowler, and they struggled to find a consistent rhythm. This resulted in a mediocre performance, with MI failing to qualify for the playoffs.
Former MI pacer Zaheer Khan echoed these sentiments, stating that the team “missed Bumrah badly” in 2023. He acknowledged Bumrah’s role as a “match-winner” and highlighted the inexperience in the bowling attack that emerged in his absence.
Bumrah’s return to fitness and form is a welcome sign for MI. He has already made a successful comeback for India in the international arena. His presence in the IPL will provide a much-needed boost to MI’s bowling attack. With Bumrah leading the line, the team will have a potent weapon at their disposal, significantly increasing their chances of reclaiming the IPL trophy.
Beyond his bowling prowess, Bumrah brings valuable leadership qualities to the MI camp. Despite being young, he has emerged as a role model for his teammates. His calm demeanor under pressure and unwavering self-belief are infectious, creating a positive atmosphere within the dressing room.
Bumrah can influence the game in the powerplay, middle overs and at the death as well
This self-belief is a recurring theme in Bumrah’s journey. Right from his early days, when he faced criticism for his unorthodox bowling action, Bumrah has always backed himself. He credits his success to his unwavering confidence and the support he received from the MI coaches, particularly Shane Bond, who helped him develop a well-rounded skillset. This mental fortitude makes him a true leader on the field, someone his teammates can look up to in crunch situations.
Jasprit Bumrah’s return to the IPL is not just good news for MI; it’s a significant boost for the entire tournament. His electrifying pace and pinpoint accuracy make him a fan favorite, and his battles with the best batsmen in the world are always a spectacle to behold. With Bumrah back in action, the IPL is set to witness a return to its high-octane, competitive best.
The upcoming IPL season promises to be a thrilling one, with MI having a legitimate shot at the title once again. With their “golden goose” Jasprit Bumrah back in the fold, they possess a potent weapon that can strike fear into the hearts of any opposition. It will be fascinating to see how Bumrah spearheads the MI attack and propels them back to the pinnacle of IPL glory.
