Mumbai Indians, without their fast-bowling spearhead Jasprit Bumrah, are keen to overturn their recurrent first-match setbacks. | Cricbuzz.com

**IPL 2025: Mumbai Indians Aim to Overcome Opening Match Challenges in Absence of Bumrah**
*By Vijay Tagore*

The Mumbai Indians (MI), a franchise revered for its decorated five-title history, has long struggled with lackluster beginnings in the IPL. The team has not secured a victory in their season opener since the 2012 campaign. Notably, in 2022, MI did not notch a win until their ninth game, and similarly, last season they endured three consecutive defeats before breaking the ice. This trend strikingly contradicts the adage that “a good start is half the battle.”

As the 2025 season approaches, MI is keen to dispel their opening day curse. However, their aspirations are complicated by a challenging schedule, with initial matches on away soil. The first fixture pits MI against fellow five-time champions, Chennai Super Kings (CSK), at the formidable Chepauk Stadium. Known for aiding spinners, these conditions will heavily favor CSK’s skilled bowling attack. Subsequently, MI travels to Ahmedabad to face Gujarat Titans, a side that bested them at the Narendra Modi Stadium in the previous season.

Further exacerbating Mumbai’s predicament is the absence of their star pacer, Jasprit Bumrah. Recovery concerns have sidelined him pending clearance from the National Cricket Academy (NCA) in Bengaluru. Compounding this is the unavailability of captain Hardik Pandya for the opener due to a prior season’s over-rate violation.

Nonetheless, under the guidance of head coach Mahela Jayawardene and stand-in captain Suryakumar Yadav, MI remains determined to conquer their early-season hurdles. Coach Jayawardene remarked, “I was reminded that it’s been over a decade since we won our opening game. Both Hardik and Surya are aware of this and are ready to take on the challenge, with our season beginning on March 22.” He emphasized utilizing the experience of core team members alongside newcomers, including Trent Boult returning from a pivotal role in their 2020 success, to create a cohesive unit.

Despite Bumrah’s absence, which remains indefinite, Jayawardene remains hopeful. “Jasprit is undergoing recovery at NCA. While his return is uncertain, it’s an opportunity for others to step up. He’s a world-class player, but his absence allows us to experiment with new strategies.”

While Pandya is disappointed without Bumrah, he is enthusiastic about Boult’s influence. “Bowling at Wankhede can be brutal, thus we’ve assembled experienced players like Trent and others who have immense skill and understanding of such conditions.”

Concerns over Yadav’s recent lack of form are minimal among MI’s management. In recent T20Is against England, Yadav underperformed. However, Pandya expressed confidence: “Surya has been phenomenal for India and MI. His energy is invaluable.” Jayawardene echoed this sentiment, noting Yadav’s brilliance despite occasional failures, assuring that the focus is on allowing him the freedom to perform.

The Mumbai Indians face a challenging season opener, yet under the stewardship of Jayawardene, coupled with the leadership of Yadav, the team is equipped to tackle adversities and strive towards breaking their opening-match predicament.