Injury clouds hover over IPL stars: Bumrah, Samson await fitness clearances

Several prominent cricketers, including Jasprit Bumrah, Sanju Samson, Mayank Yadav, Mohsin Khan, and Avesh Khan, are awaiting crucial fitness clearances from the National Cricket Academy (NCA) in Bengaluru ahead of the upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL) Season 18.

The spotlight remains firmly on Bumrah, who has been sidelined since January due to a back issue that required surgery in early 2023. While he’s been undergoing rehabilitation under the watchful eye of outgoing BCCI Sports Science chief Nitin Patel, there is optimism he may receive clearance by the end of the month. However, uncertainty remains about when exactly he will be fit to return to action for Mumbai Indians, especially considering MI’s opening games on March 23 and March 29. While Bumrah might be available for the first home game on March 31, it’s unclear whether he will join the team in time for their away fixtures in Chennai and Ahmedabad.

Meanwhile, Rajasthan Royals’ captain Sanju Samson is recovering from a right index finger fracture and has passed fitness tests for batting. However, he still needs clearance for wicketkeeping from the NCA. Additional tests for his keeping are expected soon, but the Royals do have backup options like Dhruv Jurel, who filled in as a wicketkeeper for India recently.

Lucknow SuperGiants have similar concerns with their pace attack, as Mayank Yadav, Mohsin Khan, and Avesh Khan all undergo rehab for various injuries. Mayank has been dealing with back stress, Avesh has been recovering from knee cartilage issues, and Mohsin’s injury remains a mystery. Despite the uncertainty, Lucknow hopes at least two of the pacers will be fit in time for their opening match against Delhi Capitals on March 24.

With IPL 2025 just around the corner, these fitness clearances are crucial for the teams to field their star players in the early part of the season.