IPL 2023: Mumbai Indians (MI) replace Injured Jasprit Bumrah With a Veteran Indian Pacer for the 2023 Season

IPL 2023: Mumbai Indians are the most successful franchise in the history of the Indian Premier League. They won their first season in 2013 when Rohit Sharma became the captain, but until now he has led MI to five titles. However, the franchise had its worst performance in the 2022 edition. They started with eight back-to-back defeats and became the first team to get eliminated. But the franchise looked to bounce back in the 16th edition.

But they suffered what could be the biggest blow for them when the ace pacer Jasprit Bumrah was ruled out of the coming season due to his back injury. Notably, Bumrah has been out of the action for six months now and might have to wait another 4–5 months. It has left MI with no choice but to announce a replacement for the 29-year-old.

IPL 2023: Mumbai Indians (MI) announced the replacement for Jasprit Bumrah for the 2023 edition

Jasprit Bumrah was the highest wicket-taker for the franchise in the last season. He took 15 wickets in 14 innings at an economy rate of 7.18 and a best of 5/10. Thus, MI will certainly miss their ace pacer in the coming season. Although Jofra Archer is back and will be part of the team, this will boost their bowling strength. On Friday, the franchise announced Bumrah’s replacement. MI picked veteran pacer Sandeep Warrier as a replacement.

The 31-year-old played one T20 for India in 2021 against Sri Lanka. But he has a good experience with Indian domestic cricket. In 68 T20s, he has taken a total of 62 wickets, with a best of 3/19. Warrier has featured earlier in the IPL. He was part of the RCB from 2013 to 2015 and then played for the KKR from 2019 to 2021. But he has only played five IPL games and has two wickets to his name.

He will join the MI set-up ahead of the first game. MI will start their campaign on Sunday, when they will lock horns with Royal Challengers Bangalore at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bengaluru. It will be the first time that Bumrah will miss the entire IPL season. Meanwhile, fans are waiting for the deadly bowling combination of Bumrah-Archer but they will have to wait until the next edition.