With the Indian Premier League (IPL) Season 18 fast approaching, several top cricketers remain in limbo, awaiting clearance from the National Cricket Academy (NCA) and Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru. While Jasprit Bumrah’s fitness status grabs headlines, other key players like Sanju Samson, Mayank Yadav, Mohsin Khan, and Avesh Khan also await the green signal to participate in the marquee tournament.
Jasprit Bumrah’s Road to Recovery
All eyes remain fixed on Jasprit Bumrah as he continues his rehabilitation at the NCA. The pace spearhead suffered a back injury during the first innings of the Sydney Test in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy earlier this year. After undergoing surgery in early 2023, he has faced persistent stress-related issues. Outgoing BCCI Sports Science chief Nitin Patel is personally supervising his recovery.
Sources indicate that Bumrah could receive clearance by the end of March, but his exact return date remains uncertain. Mumbai Indians (MI) start their campaign on March 23 against Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in Chennai, followed by a clash against Gujarat Titans (GT) in Ahmedabad on March 29. Their first home game, scheduled for March 31 against Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), presents a more realistic opportunity for Bumrah’s return. However, even if he gets the go-ahead, MI may not rush him back into action, considering his importance to the Indian team in an ODI World Cup year.
Sanju Samson’s Dual Fitness Tests
Sanju Samson, the Rajasthan Royals (RR) captain, continues his recovery from a right index finger fracture sustained during the T20 series against England last month. While he has cleared the fitness test for batting, the NCA remains cautious about his wicketkeeping abilities. Officials plan to conduct additional assessments in the coming days before granting him full or partial clearance.
If Samson fails to gain complete approval for wicketkeeping duties, Rajasthan Royals possess a viable backup in Dhruv Jurel. The young wicketkeeper recently showcased his talent for India and could step in seamlessly if required. RR’s first game takes place on March 23 against Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) in Hyderabad, making the next few days critical for Samson’s availability.
Lucknow SuperGiants’ Triple Concern
Lucknow SuperGiants (LSG) face an anxious wait as three of their key pacers—Mayank Yadav, Mohsin Khan, and Avesh Khan—undergo rehabilitation. Their pace attack, central to the team’s strategy, hinges on these players regaining full fitness before the tournament begins.
- Mayank Yadav has been dealing with back stress since October 2024 and remains under observation.
- Avesh Khan suffered knee cartilage issues and has been receiving injections as part of his treatment. His rehabilitation began after completing Madhya Pradesh’s Ranji Trophy campaign against Kerala in January.
- Mohsin Khan’s injury details remain unclear. The left-arm pacer last played a domestic match on December 31, bowling just 5.5 overs before disappearing from competitive cricket.
LSG begins their IPL journey against Delhi Capitals in Visakhapatnam on March 24. While reports suggest that at least two of these pacers could gain clearance before this game, the uncertainty leaves the team’s management on edge. With a strong emphasis on pace bowling, LSG hopes to field its best combination from the outset.
The Impact of These Injuries on IPL Teams
The IPL demands peak physical fitness, and any lingering injury concerns can disrupt team strategies.
- Mumbai Indians have built their bowling attack around Bumrah’s excellence. If he misses the initial games, they might rely on Gerald Coetzee, Jason Behrendorff, or even Arjun Tendulkar to step up.
- Rajasthan Royals, with Samson leading from the front, need his batting prowess as much as his leadership. His absence from the keeping role could impact team balance.
- Lucknow SuperGiants invested significantly in young pacers like Mayank and Mohsin. Any delay in their return forces LSG to rethink their combination and possibly turn to alternative options.
NCA’s Role in Player Fitness
The National Cricket Academy has emerged as the critical decision-making body regarding player fitness. Given the high stakes of IPL and the subsequent international fixtures, the NCA must strike a balance between allowing players to recover fully and clearing them in time for competition.
While franchises hope to field their best players, the BCCI prioritizes long-term player welfare. Over the years, several players have aggravated injuries due to premature returns, making the NCA’s decisions crucial.
What Lies Ahead?
With IPL 2025 days away, the fate of these injured stars remains uncertain.
- Bumrah’s situation requires careful management to avoid another setback.
- Samson faces a race against time to prove his wicketkeeping fitness.
- LSG desperately needs clarity on their pace trio’s availability.
The upcoming days will determine whether these players take the field in the season’s opening games or remain on the sidelines. For now, franchises, fans, and the players themselves await the NCA’s final word.
