IPL 2025: 3 Players who can replace Jasprit Bumrah in MI if he misses out due to injury

Jasprit Bumrah has been the very backbone of both the Indian cricket team and the Mumbai Indians (MI) since his debut. With his deadly yorkers, cunning slower balls, and sheer genius while controlling line and length, Bumrah is a match-winner. 

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Many observers consider him to be one of the best bowlers worldwide because of his ability to put in match-winning spells. Over the last five years, he has surfed on India's bowling attack across formats, being the spearhead of MI's bowling brigade that has played an intimidating role in its several IPL victories.

Though protected by great support staff all along the road, questions about Bumrah's management have persisted because of his increased workload. The stress showed during the tour of Australia when he couldn't play the fifth Test match due to fatigue and overuse. 

This has raised misgivings about his availability for the IPL 2025 season. If Bumrah misses out, MI has to look for someone to fit in his shoes, albeit partially. 

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Here are three players who may be asked to fill the void.

1. William O’ Rourke

Rourke made headlines with his excellent performance during New Zealand's tour of India last year. Standing six feet four, this tall fast bowler jumps sky-high and does not hold back with pace. 

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He is a leading force in T20 cricket, for his ability to hit the deck very hard while keeping a consistent line and length. His proportions, swinging conditions included, should complement Trent Boult's attack with the new ball.

His T20 statistics strengthen the case for him. With an economy of 7.90 and a strike rate of 18.7, he has already shown himself capable of containing scoring and taking wickets at a valuable time. 

Surprisingly, Rourke was not sold in the last IPL auction, even after a creditable performance in India under tough conditions. MI, a franchise known for being able to spot and nurture talent, would benefit hugely if he were to develop into a cricketer. He could provide that balance to the bowling lineup and fill the huge void in Bumrah's absence.

2. Mustafizur Rahman

Mustafizur Rahman, known as "The Fizz," has been the mainstay of Bangladesh cricket. The clever left-arm seamer uses variations well and maintains his composure with the ball even while under severe pressure. Mustafizur, with his uncanny ability to move the ball deftly across the three phases of the game--powerplay, middle overs, and death--may well be considered worthy to step into Bumrah's shoes.

Rahman was a part of the Chennai Super Kings last IPL, where he tallied 14 wickets and secured his best performance of 4/29. Though his form did dip later on in the season, his overall contributions were significant. In seasons prior to the IPL, especially those of 2018, 2021, and 2022, Rahman had excelled at maintaining economy rates under 8.5 runs per over. His deceptive slower deliveries and precise yorkers are assets any team can badly use.

Impending, once MI added Rahman to the squad, he would fit like a glove into the role of finisher due to the pressure situations that he has been in. MI has a record of reviving players in times of need, and adding Rahman could keep MI in a potential game-winning position.

3. Shardul Thakur

With an affectionate moniker of "Lord Thakur" from his fans, Shardul Thakur is the bowler who keeps himself alive under pressure. It is his knack for picking wickets when they matter the most that saw him be part of title-winning campaigns with Chennai Super Kings and Kolkata Knight Riders. His surprise omission from the previous IPL auction left many cricket lovers scratching their heads, given his pedigree.

Having taken 94 wickets at an economy rate of 9.23, his numbers reflect that he has often taken the big task of bowling at the death. While it is judged for a high economy rate, such is the nature of the overs he bowls. 

Beyond his bowling capabilities, he has also established himself as a decent batsman who can log runs in dire situations. Such capabilities bring in variety and add depth to any side.

For Mumbai Indians, his experience and ability to deliver in high-stakes matches would be key. His affinity for excelling under pressure and his MI culture of performing while under crunch situations are a perfect match. 

In case he fills in as a replacement for Bumrah, Shardul could prove to be the match-winner for MI with bat and ball, thereby helping them remain among the most successful franchises in IPL history.

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