IPL 2023: Rohit Sharma Makes a Huge Remark on Jasprit Bumrah’s Absence

IPL 2023: Mumbai Indians (MI) skipper Rohit Sharma asserted that he is used to playing without ace speedster Jasprit Bumrah for the last six to eight months. Bumrah is nursing a back injury. Thus, he was ruled out of the ongoing tournament even before the start of the marquee event. Rohit’s remarks came after his team lost their first game of the ongoing IPL 2023 to Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB). The match was held in Bangalore on April 2, Sunday.

Having not played a single professional game in over six months now, the 29-year-old player is yet to recover from a glute injury. The right-arm pacer had to undergo surgery on his back in New Zealand earlier this year which has ruled him out of the entire IPL as well as the World Test Championship (WTC) against Australia in June. However, MI and India’s lead pacer is aiming to come back in the 50-over World Cup which is scheduled to take place later this year in October-November.

Bumrah has recovered from a back injury but stiffness in his right glute ended up causing a much greater threat than what was initially anticipated. With him being ruled out, Sandeep Warrier has been drafted into the squad as a replacement player. Warrier is not as lethal as Bumrah but he has vast experience of playing professional cricket in India.  Bumrah’s absence was felt as the Bangalore-based franchise thrashed Mumbai in their season opener. Defending a competitive total on a small ground, the MI bowlers disappointed their fans.

IPL 2023: “I Am Used to Playing without Jasprit Bumrah,” Says Rohit Sharma

In the post-match presentation, Rohit spoke about Bumrah and his absence, saying: “From the last six to eight months I am used to playing without Jasprit Bumrah. Of course, this is a different setup but someone needs to put their hand up and step up. We can’t keep dwelling on it. Injuries are not in our control, we can’t do much about it. The other guys in the setup are quite talented as well. We need to give them that support. Just the first game of the season, there’s a lot to look forward to.”

Inarguably, Bumrah’s absence is a huge blow to the team. Mumbai Indians will miss their key player. Since his debut for the Mumbai-based team, he has become an integral part of the team. Rohit’s strike bowler in all phases of the game, Bumrah will not be there throughout the IPL 2023. The five-time champions have no options but to cope without him. It’ll be interesting to see how Mumbai fares in the rest of the season without Bumrah.