As the countdown to IPL 2025 begins, multiple franchises are grappling with injury concerns, with star players like Jasprit Bumrah, Sanju Samson, and several pacers yet to receive fitness clearance from the National Cricket Academy (NCA). With the tournament set to commence on March 23, teams are anxiously awaiting updates on their availability.
Mumbai Indians’ ace pacer Jasprit Bumrah remains a key focus, with his participation in the initial matches hanging in the balance. The fast bowler suffered a back spasm during the Sydney Test in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy earlier this year and has been undergoing rehabilitation for back stress. Having previously undergone surgery for a similar issue in 2023, his recovery is being closely monitored by outgoing BCCI Sports Science chief Nitin Patel. While there is hope that he might be available for Mumbai Indians’ first home fixture against Kolkata Knight Riders on March 31, his presence in the initial away matches against Chennai Super Kings on March 23 and Gujarat Titans on March 29 remains uncertain. The franchise is expected to make a final call closer to the tournament’s start date.
Rajasthan Royals are also facing uncertainty over their captain Sanju Samson, who recently underwent surgery for a right index finger fracture sustained during the home T20I series against England. Although Samson has reportedly cleared the fitness test for batting, he still requires approval for wicketkeeping duties. Additional tests in the coming days will determine whether he can take up his full responsibilities behind the stumps. If he remains unavailable at the start, Royals have the option of Dhruv Jurel as a backup wicketkeeper. Rajasthan Royals begin their campaign against Sunrisers Hyderabad in Hyderabad on March 23.
Lucknow Super Giants are dealing with multiple injury concerns in their pace attack, with Mayank Yadav, Mohsin Khan, and Avesh Khan all awaiting fitness clearance. Mayank has been sidelined since October 2024 due to back stress and remains under observation. Avesh, recovering from knee cartilage issues, has been undergoing rehabilitation since completing Madhya Pradesh’s Ranji Trophy campaign in January. Meanwhile, Mohsin’s injury details remain unclear, but he last played a domestic match on December 31, bowling just 5.5 overs in a Vijay Hazare Trophy fixture. LSG remains hopeful that at least two of these three pacers will be cleared before their opening match against Delhi Capitals on March 24 in Visakhapatnam.
As IPL 2025 approaches, these fitness concerns could significantly impact team strategies and initial match line-ups. Franchises will be closely monitoring the NCA’s decisions, as the availability of these key players could shape the early phase of the tournament.
