On March 29, just 4 days away, the Mumbai Indians (MI) will take on the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) at the Wankhede Stadium to commence their Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 campaign. Yet, Jasprit Bumrah has joined them. In normal circumstances, one would be worried. But that’s not the case.
Two days ago, it was reported that Bumrah had checked into the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) Centre of Excellence (CoE). Did he injure himself? Was it a regulation checkup? No one knew. Now, we do know.
Why Bumrah checked into CoE
According to ESPNcricinfo, Bumrah had gone to Karnataka for workload management. Before every IPL season, all centrally contracted players have to report to the CoE. They undergo a fitness assessment, and only if they pass are they allowed to join their IPL franchise.
That’s the reason why Bumrah hasn’t joined MI yet. It’s learnt that the unorthodox fast bowler was primarily working on strength and conditioning with the medical staff at the CoE. Knowing the importance of Bumrah, which was evident in the T20 World Cup 2026, the BCCI has already laid out a plan for him.
Ready for ODI return
He hasn’t played a 50-over match since the 2023 ODI World Cup final. With the 2027 ODI World Cup, the next ICC tournament, the focus shifts to one-day cricket. Keeping that in mind, India’s white-ball tour of England in July will be his next assignment. This suggests that Bumrah won’t play against Afghanistan, one Test and 3 ODIs, in June and might miss the Ireland T20Is later that month, but will play against England away from home.
Bumrah has been bowling at the CoE and will join MI soon enough. He won’t be missing any matches for them in IPL 2026. Last year, due to a back injury, he had to stay at CoE and missed the first 4 matches. That won’t be happening now. So, MI and Hardik Pandya can breathe a sigh of relief.
Cricket
KKR name Harshit Rana's replacement finally, Delhi mate Navdeep Saini acquired for INR 75 lakh
No injury concerns for Jasprit Bumrah, Mumbai Indians can breathe a sigh of relief ahead of IPL 2026
