Varsha
As the Indian Premier League (IPL) Season 18 approaches, the fitness of several key players remains under scrutiny. While Jasprit Bumrah’s return timeline is still unclear, Rajasthan Royals captain Sanju Samson is expected to receive clearance soon. Alongside them, Lucknow Super Giants’ pace trio—Mayank Yadav, Mohsin Khan, and Avesh Khan—are also awaiting the green light from the National Cricket Academy (NCA) in Bengaluru.
Jasprit Bumrah’s Road to Recovery
All eyes are on Jasprit Bumrah, India’s premier fast bowler, who has been sidelined since the Sydney Test during the Border-Gavaskar Trophy in January. Bumrah has been undergoing rehabilitation at the NCA for a back stress injury, a recurring issue that required surgery in early 2023. Sources reveal that Nitin Patel, the outgoing head of BCCI’s Sports Science wing, has been closely monitoring his progress.
While Bumrah is likely to be cleared by the end of the month, his availability for Mumbai Indians’ early matches remains uncertain. MI’s campaign begins on March 23 against Chennai Super Kings, followed by games against Gujarat Titans and Kolkata Knight Riders. There’s a possibility Bumrah could feature in the home game against Kolkata on March 31, but it’s unlikely he will travel for the initial away fixtures.
Sanju Samson Nears Full Fitness
Sanju Samson, who suffered a right index finger fracture during the T20 series against England last month, is on the verge of being cleared. The Rajasthan Royals skipper has reportedly passed his batting fitness tests but is yet to receive clearance for wicketkeeping. Additional assessments are expected in the coming days to determine his readiness behind the stumps.
In the meantime, Rajasthan Royals have a reliable backup in Dhruv Jurel, who recently kept wickets for India. Royals fans will hope Samson is fully fit for their opening match against Sunrisers Hyderabad on March 23.
Lucknow Super Giants’ Pace Concerns
Lucknow Super Giants are anxiously awaiting updates on their pace attack. Mayank Yadav, who has been out of action since October 2024 due to back stress, is undergoing rehabilitation. Avesh Khan, recovering from a knee cartilage issue, has been at the NCA since January after receiving injections post-Madhya Pradesh’s Ranji Trophy campaign.
Mohsin Khan’s situation is less clear. The left-arm pacer last played in a Vijay Hazare Trophy match on December 31, where he bowled only 5.5 overs. Since then, there has been little information about his condition. LSG is hopeful that at least two of their three pacers will be cleared before their season opener against Delhi Capitals on March 24.
What’s Next?
With the IPL just around the corner, teams are eagerly awaiting final fitness updates from the NCA. Bumrah’s return would be a massive boost for Mumbai Indians, while Samson’s clearance could solidify Rajasthan Royals’ batting and leadership. For Lucknow Super Giants, the availability of their pace trio will be crucial to their campaign.
As fans await official announcements, the focus remains on ensuring players are fully fit and ready to deliver their best in the high-octane tournament. Stay tuned for more updates as the IPL season draws closer!
