IPL 2023: MI squad can consider 5 players to replace Jasprit Bumrah

The absence of Jasprit Bumrah from the Mumbai Indians squad due to a recurring back injury has left a void to fill. Here are 5 players to replace Jasprit Bumrah.

Due to a recurring back injury, Jasprit Bumrah is unlikely to feature in the upcoming IPL 2023 season. In the international arena, Jasprit Bumrah is a giant player who has dismantled top-quality batting line-ups for fun and stamped his authority on the cricket field. With 70 wickets at an economy of 6.62 in 60 T20Is, the ace pacer’s performance is phenomenal, considering he bowls a lot at the fag end of the innings.

Bumrah has also made the Indian Premier League (IPL) his happy hunting ground, where he has been a strike force with the ball for Mumbai Indians, bagging 145 wickets in 120 matches at an economy of 7.39. However, due to a recurring back injury, the 29-year-old is unlikely to feature in the upcoming season.

Since September 2022, a back injury has sidelined Bumrah from competitive cricket. Although he was initially expected to recover by the start of IPL 2023, it does not appear to be the case. He is reported to miss the entire season of the cash-rich league and is doubtful for even the probable 2021-23 World Test Championship final in June.

Five players can replace Jasprit Bumrah in the MI squad for IPL 2023

• Sandeep Sharma
• Dhawal Kulkarni
• Basil Thampi
• Shashank Singh
• Mohit Avasthi

Sandeep Sharma

Sandeep Sharma, a bankable name in the domestic circuit, has picked up 183 wickets at an average of 27.19 in 52 first-class matches. He has also claimed 98 scalps in 61 List-A format games at an average of 25.79. Sandeep has consistently showcased his bowling skills in the lucrative T20 tournament, troubling batters with his swing and wreaking havoc with the ball.

In 104 IPL games, the 29-year-old has claimed 114 wickets at an economy of 7.77. Mumbai Indians might ponder over adding Sandeep to their arsenal for the 2023 season of the cash-rich league as he is a tone-setter with the new ball and will bolster their bowling line-up.

Dhawal Kulkarni

Dhawal Kulkarni, who has featured in 92 first-class games, has proven to be a reliable performer in the Indian domestic circuit, having bagged 274 wickets at an average of 27.24. In the List-A format, the 34-year-old has picked up 223 scalps in 129 matches at an economy of 4.66.

Kulkarni had previously been associated with Mumbai Indians from the 2008 to 2013 season and then again from the 2020 to 2021 season under the captaincy of Rohit Sharma. During his time with the team, he displayed his class on multiple occasions, taking 36 wickets at an economy of 8.09 in 35 matches.

Given his past performances for Mumbai Indians, the team management might consider drafting him into the side for the upcoming IPL season, hinting towards a possible reunion between Kulkarni and the five-time IPL champions.

Basil Thampi

Basil Thampi has consistently performed well in the Indian domestic circuit, having featured in 45 first-class matches and picked up 102 wickets at an average of 30.82. In the List-A format, the 29-year-old has taken 41 scalps in 31 games at an economy of 5.36.

Mumbai Indians showed interest in Thampi and signed him during the 2022 mega auction. However, he did not make a significant impact in the tournament. Despite taking five wickets in as many games, he conceded runs at an economy of 9.50. As a result, MI chose not to retain the right-arm seamer.

However, if Bumrah is unable to participate in the 16th IPL due to injury, the Mumbai management might reconsider Thampi. The Kerala pacer has the ability to bowl in any phase of the game, making him a valuable addition to the team. Therefore, it is possible that Basil may don the MI jersey in the upcoming season.

Shashank Singh

Shashank Singh, a dependable all-rounder in the Indian domestic circuit, has scored 536 runs in 23 List-A matches at a strike rate of 99.25. He has also taken 22 wickets in those games at an economy of 5.52.

In the shortest format, Shashank has showcased his all-round ability by smashing 536 runs in 48 matches at a strike rate of 140.68 and picking up ten wickets at an economy of 8.38. He impressed with the bat in IPL 2022, scoring 69 runs in 10 games for Sunrisers Hyderabad at a strike rate of 146.81.

Shashank’s ability to contribute in both batting and bowling departments makes him an asset to any side. Given that Mumbai Indians lack multi-faceted cricketers in their team, they may consider acquiring the services of this batting all-rounder for the upcoming season of the cash-rich league.

Mohit Avasthi

Mohit Avasthi made his debut in 2021 and has been a standout performer in the domestic circuit. He has taken 37 wickets in 13 first-class games with an average of 27.59 and picked up 17 wickets in 12 List-A games at an economy of 5.50.

During the 2022 Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, Avasthi played seven matches for Mumbai and took 10 wickets with an economy of 7.88. He also impressed during the Ranji Trophy, taking 21 wickets in seven outings. His current form makes him a strong candidate for selection in the upcoming season, with Mumbai potentially adding him to their side. The addition of the local right-arm pacer could give the team a boost.

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