IPL 2025: Mark Boucher Claims MI is Stronger with Bumrah
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Synopsis
Mark Boucher, former coach of Mumbai Indians, highlights the significant impact of Jasprit Bumrah's absence for IPL 2025. He emphasizes that Bumrah's presence elevates the team's performance and discusses potential changes in the bowling strategy and player selection.
Key Takeaways
- Jasprit Bumrah is crucial for Mumbai Indians' success.
- Bumrah's absence may alter bowling strategies.
- Trent Boult and Deepak Chahar could play key roles.
- Team composition decisions are critical for upcoming matches.
- Options for opening batsmen may change based on strategy.
New Delhi, March 21 (NationPress) Mark Boucher, the former South African cricketer who held the position of head coach for the Mumbai Indians during the last two IPL seasons, noted that the team appears significantly stronger when Jasprit Bumrah is part of their lineup. He expressed concern about Bumrah’s absence for the early matches of IPL 2025, implying it is not a favorable situation for the team.
Bumrah is currently in rehabilitation at the BCCI's Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru due to a lower back injury that sidelined him from bowling in the second innings of the fifth Test in Sydney. Since that incident, he has been out of action and also missed India’s victorious Champions Trophy campaign.
“The Mumbai Indians without Jasprit Bumrah are undoubtedly at a disadvantage. He is arguably the world’s premier T20 bowler, and his ability to perform during powerplays and death overs makes him a decisive match-winner. The presence of Jasprit Bumrah always elevates the Mumbai Indians' performance,” Boucher stated.
“I would have loved to have Jasprit Bumrah during my initial season when he was unavailable due to a back injury in IPL 2023. I firmly believe that with him, we could have been serious title contenders. We finished third, but without him, any team is not going to be as competitive,” Boucher remarked in a virtual conversation with IANS ahead of the 18th IPL season.
Bumrah boasts an impressive record of 165 wickets in 133 matches for the Mumbai Indians in the IPL, and Boucher anticipates that his absence will necessitate a revision of the team’s bowling strategies as well as the overseas player selection, with Trent Boult and Deepak Chahar likely becoming pivotal players.
“His unavailability opens up opportunities for players like Trent Boult, who will need to lead the bowling attack. Deepak Chahar is also a new acquisition for the Mumbai Indians, and I expect him to play a significant role as well.
“It will be fascinating to observe how they approach the competition regarding their international players and the balance between batters and bowlers. Will they opt for an additional batter, or will they bolster their bowling with more international talent? This decision will be crucial,” Boucher added.
“There is no replacement for Jasprit Bumrah. The decision will hinge on how they manage their international player slots. They will definitely include Trent Boult, and it seems they are also inclined to play Santner. Will Reece Topley be brought into the mix? That could come at the cost of one of the opening batters,” he explained.
Boucher also suggested that Bumrah’s absence might alter the dynamics of who opens alongside Rohit Sharma. “This could fluctuate throughout the tournament. They have Indian batters ready to step up. A player like Robin Mintz could be a viable option at the top, and there are other possibilities as well.
“If they decide to incorporate another Indian bowler, they might consider Ryan Rickleton while also having Will Jacks available. I’m keen to see if Robin Mintz makes the playing XI, as he’s somewhat of an unknown factor. Naman Dhir is another player who could open the batting.
“From a bowling perspective, Ryan Rickleton would be an excellent choice. Will Jacks has performed well. Ultimately, it’s about options. If they aim to enhance their bowling with international players, it might come at the expense of one of the opening batters,” he concluded.
