The 2025 season of the Indian Premier League (IPL) is set to begin on March 22 with an exciting opening clash between defending champions Kolkata Knight Riders and Royal Challengers Bengaluru at Eden Gardens, Kolkata.
Now in its 18th edition, the 10-team tournament has undergone notable changes following the IPL Mega Auction held in November. Franchises are working to finalize effective team combinations while navigating injury challenges, including the highly anticipated comeback of Indian pacer Jasprit Bumrah after his prolonged absence.
Players who will miss IPL 2025 start
Mayank Yadav
The Lucknow Super Giants currently have three pacers sidelined, with Mayank Yadav being the most crucial among them, alongside Mohsin Khan and Avesh Khan. All three are awaiting fitness clearance as they recover from their respective injuries at the National Cricket Academy (NCA). While the franchise is optimistic about Mohsin and Avesh returning in time, Mayank’s availability remains uncertain.
Jasprit Bumrah
Mumbai Indians’ star pacer Jasprit Bumrah continues to remain out of action due to a lower back injury sustained during the Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Australia. He missed both the bilateral series against England and India’s Champions Trophy victory to manage his workload. With the England tour scheduled in June, Bumrah is expected to extend his break before joining the MI squad.
Hardik Pandya
Unlike others on this list, Hardik Pandya will be unavailable for Mumbai Indians’ opening match of IPL 2025 against Chennai Super Kings at the M.A. Chidambaram Stadium due to a technicality, not injury. He was handed a one-match suspension during IPL 2024 for maintaining a slow over rate against the Lucknow Super Giants, making him ineligible for selection in the first game.
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