Jasprit Bumrah is back in Mumbai and is likely to slot straight back into the Mumbai Indians lineup. The word is that he checked into the team hotel on Friday evening and the franchise is gung-ho that the spearhead will be available from Sunday. Although final confirmation is still awaited, MI sources say chances of his playing the first game are bright.
Bumrah was at the BCCI Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru for the past five days, but sources insist there was nothing alarming about the visit. It was a routine engagement aimed at monitoring his workload. Over the last few days, Bumrah bowled at full tilt and is fit enough to lead the Mumbai Indians attack. MI take on Kolkata Knight Riders in their season opener at the Wankhede on Sunday.
Last season, he missed the first four games, and Mumbai Indians felt his absence badly. They lost three of those matches, which hurt them in the final analysis. Although MI managed to reach the playoffs eventually, they did so only just, finishing fourth. Given their pedigree, strength and reputation, they would have preferred a place in the top two.
Two other Mumbai Indians players are yet to report - Will Jacks and Mitchell Santner. Santner was involved in a series against South Africa that concluded on March 25 and is expected to join the squad in a few days. Jacks, however, may take longer, with the England all-rounder unavailable due to personal reasons and likely to report at least a week later.
The rest of the Mumbai Indians squad had a full-fledged practice session at the Wankhede Friday night. Kolkata Knight Riders were also at the venue, sweating it out. The visitors were largely at full strength, barring Matheesha Pathirana, whose availability remains uncertain. Ahead of Sunday night's fixture, the teams will have one more training session on Saturday, when all eyes will be firmly on Jasprit Bumrah.
