IPL 2025: Bumrah Makes Strong Return With Controlled Spell, Jayawardene Praises Fitness And Execution

April 8, 2025: Jasprit Bumrah made a highly anticipated return to competitive cricket in IPL 2025, bowling with intensity and composure during Mumbai Indians’ (MI) 12-run loss to Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB). Despite the defeat, MI head coach Mahela Jayawardene was pleased with Bumrah’s performance, highlighting his sharp execution and fitness after a three-month layoff.

Bumrah, who received clearance from the BCCI’s Centre of Excellence, bowled four overs for MI, finishing with figures of 0/29. His spell was marked by controlled and economical bowling, particularly in the death overs where he conceded just 14 runs across two overs, despite MI giving away 52 runs in the final four overs.

Jayawardene acknowledged that while Bumrah’s return was promising, the bowler still needed more match time to fully regain his rhythm. He emphasized that Bumrah’s skill set was intact, and with more game time, the pacer would become even more effective.

“Boom’s coming back from a three-month lay-off… he bowled well, and he controlled things really well,” Jayawardene said, adding that Bumrah’s return provided MI with more options, boosting the team’s confidence. Though MI fell short in the match, Bumrah’s performance was a bright spot and a positive sign for both the franchise and Indian cricket moving forward.