Indian Premier League
Mumbai, March 29: Mumbai Indians received a timely boost ahead of their Indian Premier League opener, with pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah joining the squad and declared available for selection against Kolkata Knight Riders at the Wankhede Stadium on Sunday.
Head coach Mahela Jayawardene confirmed Bumrah’s availability on the eve of the match. The premier fast bowler, who had skipped Friday’s training session, was seen with the squad on Saturday after completing a conditioning programme at the BCCI’s Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru.
The stint at the facility was part of a planned workload management strategy by the board’s medical team, keeping in mind India’s upcoming white-ball tour of England in July.
Bumrah had been a key performer for Mumbai Indians last season as well, finishing as their second-highest wicket-taker despite missing the initial matches due to injury. His consistent performances played a crucial role in the team’s run to the playoffs, while he also emerged as one of the standout bowlers in the recent ICC Men’s T20 World Cup.However, Mumbai Indians will be without two overseas recruits for their opening fixture. New Zealand spinner Mitchell Santner and England all-rounder Will Jacks are yet to link up with the squad after being granted extended leave for personal reasons.Jayawardene indicated that both players are expected to join the team shortly but refrained from specifying a timeline. “They asked for a bit more time, and we were comfortable with that. They should be with us soon,” he said.
In their absence, Mumbai could hand opportunities to West Indies batter Sherfane Rutherford and Afghanistan spinner AM Ghazanfar in the playing XI.Despite their reputation as slow starters — Mumbai Indians have not won their opening game of an IPL season since 2012 — the five-time champions boast an imposing record against Kolkata Knight Riders at the Wankhede, having won 10 of their 12 encounters at the venue. (Agencies)
