With IPL 2025 around the corner, several key players are still awaiting medical clearance from the National Cricket Academy (NCA)/Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru before they can participate in the tournament. While Jasprit Bumrah remains the biggest concern, other cricketers like Sanju Samson, Mayank Yadav, Mohsin Khan, and Avesh Khan are also under NCA scrutiny.
Bumrah’s Fitness and Mumbai Indians’ Plans
All eyes are on Jasprit Bumrah, India’s pace spearhead, who has been undergoing rehabilitation in Bengaluru after sustaining stress on his back during the first innings of the Sydney Test in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy earlier this year. Bumrah, who had back surgery in early 2023, is being closely monitored by outgoing BCCI Sports Science chief Nitin Patel.
It is expected that Bumrah will receive clearance by the end of March. However, his availability for Mumbai Indians’ early matches remains uncertain. MI start their IPL 2025 campaign with an away fixture against Chennai Super Kings on March 23, followed by another away game against Gujarat Titans on March 29. Their first home match is scheduled for March 31 against Kolkata Knight Riders. While there is a chance that Bumrah could be available for the home game, it is unlikely that he will travel to Chennai or Ahmedabad.
Sanju Samson’s Partial Clearance
Rajasthan Royals captain Sanju Samson, who suffered a right index finger fracture during the T20I series against England last month, is also waiting for final clearance. He has passed the fitness test for batting but still needs to be evaluated for wicketkeeping. Additional tests will be conducted in the next few days before a final decision is made.
In case Samson is unavailable for the initial matches, Rajasthan Royals have Dhruv Jurel as a backup wicketkeeper. The Royals play their first game on March 23 against Sunrisers Hyderabad in Hyderabad.
Lucknow SuperGiants’ Pacers in Doubt
Lucknow SuperGiants (LSG) are currently monitoring the fitness of three key pacers: Mayank Yadav, Mohsin Khan, and Avesh Khan.
- Mayank Yadav has been out of action since October 2024 due to back stress.
- Avesh Khan has been recovering from knee cartilage issues and has been in rehab since January after receiving injections for his condition.
- Mohsin Khan’s injury remains unclear. The left-arm pacer last played a domestic game on December 31, 2024, in the Vijay Hazare Trophy but bowled only 5.5 overs before being sidelined.
LSG are hoping that at least two of these three pacers will receive clearance before their opening game against Delhi Capitals on March 24 in Visakhapatnam. These bowlers form a crucial part of the LSG pace attack, and their availability will significantly impact the team’s performance.
