Former India captain Sunil Gavaskar feels the Mumbai Indians would play without Jasprit Bumrah for the 2019 season. The 16th edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL) will begin on March 31 without Bumrah, who has been ruled out for the whole season owing to a recurring back issue. He has not played competitive cricket since September of last year, including the Asia Cup and the ICC T20 World Cup.
Bumrah benefits both the Indian squad and the Mumbai Indians. He is MI’s second-highest wicket-taker, with 145 from 120 appearances. The 29-year-old has surpassed spin great Harbhajan Singh to take second place, behind only Lasith Malinga.
Gavaskar said that the squad would miss him, but that the Rohit Sharma-led side can win the championship for a record sixth time since they still have enough skill. He believes that following last year’s dismal performance, this will be an opportunity for them to establish their value.
“They must forget what occurred last season and believe they have the team to succeed again. Jasprit Bumrah will be sorely missed. Yet they have a squad capable of winning the title again. I certainly see them in the top three, since they have a lot to show after last year’s performance “Gavaskar was speaking to Star Sports on the prospects of Rohit and company winning the IPL in 2023.
Meanwhile, the IPL 2023 will get off on March 31 with reigning champions Gujarat Titans (GT) facing Chennai Super Kings (CSK) at Ahmedabad’s historic Narendra Modi Stadium. MI, who had a disastrous season in 2022, will try for an unprecedented sixth championship when they face Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) on April 2 at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium.
