IPL 2025: 2 Bowlers Who Might Replace Jasprit Bumrah In Mumbai Indians

The Indian cricket team has often relied on the prowess of Jasprit Bumrah, whose unique bowling action and exceptional control have made him one of the world’s leading pacers. However, the sudden exit of Bumrah from the field during the fifth Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Sydney due to back spasms might hurt Mumbai Indians badly in the upcoming IPL season.

Reece Topley

Mumbai Indians

Reece Topley, a left-arm fast bowler from England, has already made his mark in international cricket but is still somewhat of an enigma in the IPL. Topley has played 5 matches to date in his IPL career, where he managed to take 5 wickets with an average of 36.40, conceding nearly 10.71 runs per over. Though these statistics might not immediately impress, Topley brings a different dynamic to the Mumbai Indians’ bowling attack. His height allows him to extract bounce which can be particularly effective in the conditions at Wankhede Stadium. His ability to swing the ball both ways in the powerplay overs could prove invaluable, especially if Bumrah is sidelined for IPL 2025.

Topley’s experience in various T20 leagues around the world, including the Big Bash League and the Caribbean Premier League, where he has shown more consistency, could be a significant asset. His bowling has often been described as deceptive, with an ability to keep the batsmen guessing, particularly with his variations in pace and line. This could fill the void left by Bumrah, known for his lethal yorkers and pinpoint accuracy at the death. Although Topley’s economy rate in the IPL so far is not stellar, his international T20I figures (35 wickets in 29 matches at an economy of 8.41) suggest he can adapt and thrive under pressure.

Moreover, Topley’s experience playing in diverse conditions could help him adjust quickly to the IPL’s fast-paced and high-scoring environment. His inclusion might not only bolster Mumbai’s pace attack but also provide strategic depth, offering a left-arm option that can disrupt the rhythm of the opposition’s batting lineup.

Ashwani Kumar

Ashwani Kumar, while less known in the IPL context, represents the potential of emerging Indian talent. He has yet to play an IPL match, but his performances in domestic cricket have been noteworthy. In List A cricket, Kumar has played 4 matches, bowling 162 balls, conceding 158 runs, and taking 3 wickets with an average of 52.66 and an economy rate of 5.85. These numbers might not scream headline material, but they do provide a glimpse into a bowler who could be molded into a significant asset.

Kumar’s bowling action is smooth, and he has shown the knack for hitting the right lengths consistently, something crucial in the shorter format. His economy rate in List A cricket indicates a control over his line and length, which could be refined to meet the demands of T20 cricket. What might attract Mumbai Indians to Kumar is not just his potential but also his opportunity to learn from some of the best in the business within the MI setup.

The challenge for Kumar would be to adapt his game from the longer formats to the T20 arena where every ball counts, and mistakes are punished ruthlessly. However, under the mentorship of someone like Paras Mhambrey, MI bowling coach, Kumar could refine his skills. His raw talent, coupled with the right coaching, could see him evolve into a bowler who could not only replace but perhaps even complement Bumrah’s style in the future.

The Mumbai Indians’ strategy with Kumar would likely involve nurturing him as a long-term investment. His inclusion would signal MI’s commitment to scouting and developing domestic talent, a strategy that has paid dividends in the past with players like Bumrah himself. Kumar’s journey would be one of adaptation, learning, and hopefully, success in the high-pressure IPL environment.

In Summary

The void left by Jasprit Bumrah in the Mumbai Indians squad for IPL 2025 is significant, given his role as a match-winner and a key strategist in the bowling attack. However, in Topley and Kumar, MI might find not just replacements but new dimensions to their bowling lineup. Topley, with his international experience and skill set, could offer immediate impact, while Kumar represents the future, embodying the promise of Indian cricket’s next wave of talent.

Both bowlers will need to step up, adapt quickly to the IPL’s unique challenges, and bring their A-game to ensure that Mumbai Indians do not miss Bumrah too dearly. The IPL 2025 could be a defining season for both Topley and Kumar, as they potentially lead Mumbai through one of its most transformative periods in recent times.