MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - DECEMBER 29: Jasprit Bumrah of India bowls during day four of the Second Test match between Australia and India at Melbourne Cricket Ground on December 29, 2020 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Robert Cianflone/Getty Images)
Jasprit Bumrah is reportedly in doubt to participate in the upcoming Indian Premier League season as he considers undergoing surgery to repair an ongoing back injury.
The fast bowler has been out of action since August of 2022 as he deals with a stress reaction in his lower back, now potentially opting for surgery that will see him sidelined for the IPL, set to be held across April and May.
Should the 29-year-old undergo the surgery, it is expected he could miss up to five months of action, putting his participation in the World Test Championship final, which starts in June, as very unlikely.
With the ODI World Cup, which will be held in India, scheduled for October and November, there is hope Bumrah will be fit enough to play should he undergo surgery.
The stress-related injury was first diagnosed back in September when Bumrah was ruled out of a T20 against South Africa, with scans subsequently confirming the severity. Though his rehab commenced in November, the fast bowler experienced further discomfort upon his participation in match simulations earlier in the year.
Bumrah has had an unfortunate run with injury throughout his career, with this obstacle just the latest back injury he has suffered. In 2019/2022, the 29-year-old spent three months on the sidelines as he dealt with a stress related issue in his back.
The Mumbai Indians will now be without Bumrah when the IPL kicks off on March 31, with the franchise yet to confirm a replacement for the bowler.
Bumrah has played for Mumbai since 2013, claiming 145 wickets in 120 games.