Jasprit Bumrah skips flight to Bengaluru for RCB clash

It is expected that the extent of Bumrah’s injury, suffered while trying to field a ball in his follow-up against Delhi Capitals at Wankhede Stadium, can be ascertained by Tuesday evening.

Mumbai Indians' Jasprit Bumrah clutches his left shoulder after suffering an injury on Sunday against Delhi Capitals.

Jasprit Bumrah is likely to miss Mumbai Indians’ away match in Bengaluru on Thursday after sustaining a left shoulder injury during MI’s season-opener here on Sunday.

While the Mumbai Indians’ contingent travelled to the Garden City for the high-voltage clash against Virat Kohli’s Royal Challengers Bangalore, the India pace spearhead stayed back in Mumbai. “Bumrah is in Mumbai along with Team Physio Nitin Patel continuing with the assessment. His recovery is on track and fortunately no sign on stress,” stated an MI spokeperson on Monday evening.

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It is understood  that the decision was taken by the MI management after a round of discussion between Patel, a former India physio, and the BCCI medical team. It is expected that the extent of Bumrah’s injury, suffered while trying to field a ball in his follow-up against Delhi Capitals at Wankhede Stadium, can be ascertained by Tuesday evening.

At the moment, the support staff hopes that the injury isn’t too serious. Still, considering Bumrah’s importance for the Mumbai Indians — and more importantly for the national team in the World Cup that will follow the IPL — MI is unlikely to risk him for MI’s two matches this week: in Bengaluru on Thursday and in Mohali on Sunday.

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Irrespective of the injury, Bumrah may well have been rested for one of the two games.

The BCCI has been cautioning the franchisees to avoid overburdening India’s key pacers to avoid injuries during the World Cup. During a pre-tournament briefing with physiotherapists of all eight teams, the BCCI medical team is understood to have suggested to rest key pacers if a team has to play back-to-back away games.

Malinga positive

Mumbai Indians, however, received some good news with slinger Lasith Malinga set to join the squad in Bengaluru ahead of the clash against Royal Challengers Bangalore.

Malinga’s availability for the first three weeks had been unclear after reports emerged of the Sri Lanka veteran being asked to participate in a provincial pre-World Cup tournament. However, Monday saw Sri Lanka Cricket soften the stand.

As a result, Malinga is likely to join Mumbai Indians in Bengaluru on Wednesday and possibly head back to Sri Lanka for a week after Saturday’s match against Kings XI Punjab.