Renowned for his prowess in the international arena, Jasprit Bumrah is a force to be reckoned with on the cricket field, regularly dismantling top-quality batting line-ups. With an impressive record of 70 wickets at an economy of 6.62 in 60 T20Is, Bumrah is particularly impressive in bowling at the fag end of the innings.
In the Indian Premier League (IPL), Bumrah has been a key player for Mumbai Indians, with 145 wickets in 120 matches at an economy of 7.39. Unfortunately, the 29-year-old is set to miss the upcoming season due to a recurring back injury that has kept him out of competitive cricket since September 2022. Despite initial hopes that he would recover in time for IPL 2023, he is now expected to miss the entire season and is even doubtful for the probable 2021-23 World Test Championship final in June.
As a result, the Mumbai Indians team will need to find a replacement for their star pacer. In this article, we will explore three potential candidates who could step up and fill Bumrah’s shoes in the MI squad.
Number 1. Basil Thampi
Image Source – Twitter
With 102 wickets in 45 first-class matches at an average of 30.82 and 41 scalps in 31 List-A games at an economy of 5.36, Basil Thampi has been a consistent performer in Indian domestic cricket. Mumbai Indians signed him at the 2022 mega auction, but the 29-year-old failed to impress in the tournament. Despite taking five wickets in as many games, he conceded runs at an economy of 9.50, leading to MI opting not to retain him.
However, with Jasprit Bumrah out of the 16th IPL edition due to injury, Mumbai Indians could consider bringing back Thampi. The Kerala pacer has the ability to bowl in any phase of the game, making him a valuable addition to the team. Hence, Basil Thampi might don the MI jersey in the upcoming season.
Number 2. Dhawal Kulkarni
Image Source – Twitter
Dhawal Kulkarni, a proven performer in Indian domestic cricket, has an impressive track record. With 92 first-class games under his belt, the 34-year-old has picked up 274 wickets at an average of 27.24. In the List-A format, he has taken 223 scalps in 129 matches at an economy of 4.66.
Kulkarni previously played for Mumbai Indians from 2008 to 2013 and again from 2020 to 2021. The experienced pacer has displayed his skill and class on numerous occasions for MI, taking 36 wickets at an economy of 8.09 in 35 matches.
Given his past success with the Mumbai team, the management may consider bringing Kulkarni back into the squad for the upcoming IPL season. It appears a Kulkarni-Mumbai Indians reunion is possible.
Number 3. Sandeep Sharma
Image Source – Twitter
Sandeep Sharma has been a consistent performer in the Indian domestic circuit. The ace pacer has played 52 first-class matches and picked up 183 wickets at an average of 27.19. In List-A cricket, the 29-year-old has claimed 98 scalps in 61 games at an average of 25.79.
Sandeep has also showcased his bowling prowess in the Indian Premier League (IPL) and has been a regular feature in the tournament. He has impressed with his swing bowling and has been a force to reckon with. In 104 IPL games, Sandeep has taken 114 wickets at an economy of 7.77.
The pacer’s ability to provide breakthroughs with the new ball could prove vital for Mumbai Indians. Therefore, the team management might consider roping in Sandeep for the upcoming IPL season to strengthen their bowling attack.
