In addition to Jasprit Bumrah, a number of other cricket players are seeking approval from the National Cricket Academy/Centre of Excellence to play in the forthcoming 18th season of the Indian Premier League (IPL). Along with Bumrah, Sanju Samson, Mayank Yadav, Mohsin Khan, and Avesh Khan are requesting approval from the Board of Control for Cricket in India’s (BCCI) Bengaluru center.
Naturally, Bumrah is the center of attention. The Indian captain has been recovering in Bengaluru after missing the first innings of the Sydney Test at the Border-Gavaskar Trophy earlier in January. According to sources, the bowler, who had surgery in early 2023 to treat a back condition, is being personally watched by departing BCCI Sports Science chief Nitin Patel. Although it is yet unclear when Bumrah will be able to don the Mumbai Indians’ colors, it is expected that he will be approved by the end of the month.
On the second day of the season, MI’s first match is against Chennai Super Kings at Chennai on March 23. On March 29, they play Gujarat Titans away from home in Ahmedabad. There is a potential that Bumrah will be available for their first home game against Kolkata on March 31, but it is not a given. Although it is unlikely that he will accompany the squad to Chennai and Ahmedabad, he might be able to join the MI camp early.
Sanju Samson is expected to be freed shortly after undergoing surgery to treat a fractured right index finger he suffered during last month’s home T20 series against England. He has reportedly passed the batting fitness test, but his wicketkeeping still needs to pass the NCA’s inspection. Before the Rajasthan Royals captain is given full or partial clearance, he could have to pass a few more tests in the coming days. In any event, Dhruv Jurel, who took wickets for India, is in the Royals’ roster and will replace Sanju behind the stumps. On March 23, the Royals will play their debut match in Hyderabad against SRH.
In the meantime, Mayank, Mohsin, and Avesh—the three pacers for the Lucknow SuperGiants—are awaiting clearance. Since October 2024, Mayank has been unable to play due to back tension. Avesh is recovering from knee cartilage damage. After being referred to the NCA following Madhya Pradesh’s last match (the Raji Trophy) versus Kerala in January, it has been learned that he received injections to treat the issue. He has been in treatment ever since
The extent of Mohsin’s injuries is unknown. The last time the left-arm bowler played domestically was on December 31, when UP and Chandigarh played Vijay Hazare. The 26-year-old pacer bowled just 5.5 overs in that match, and not much has been known about his health thereafter.
Before their opening match against the Delhi Capitals in Visakhapatnam on March 24, at least two of them, if not all three, are anticipated to be cleared. These pacers are essentially the foundation of LSG’s pace assault, and the team has made large investments in them.
