India, March 19 -- And so, it is official. Jasprit Bumrah will play no part in Mumbai Indians' IPL 2025 campaign, at least for the first few games. The announcement came from head coach Mahela Jayawardene, who confirmed that it will take their premier pacer some more time before he is declared match-fit and raring to go. For MI, who since IPL 2012, have failed to win their first match of the season, Bumrah's absence is not promising news as the franchise risks losing yet another season opener when it clashes against Chennai Super Kings this Sunday. However, there is a ray of light, hope and belief that Bumrah will be fit by the first week of April and return to top-flight cricket for the first time since January.

Having said that, Bumrah...