The highly anticipated 2025 edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL) is set to commence on March 22, with 10 teams once again competing for the prestigious title. The opening match will feature a thrilling face-off between Royal Challengers Bengaluru and Kolkata Knight Riders at Eden Gardens, Kolkata, where the final is also scheduled to be held on May 25.
However, ahead of the tournament’s 18th season, several key players have been ruled out due to injury concerns, while others remain doubtful about their participation. Here’s a look at five players who are set to miss the start of the IPL 2025:
1. Jasprit Bumrah:
Mumbai Indians retained the legendary fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah for Rs 18 crore. However, since sustaining a lower back injury on January 5, 2025, he has remained out of action. While Bumrah has resumed bowling, it has been reported that he will miss the first two weeks of the IPL 2025.
2. Mayank Yadav:
The young Indian pacer was retained by Lucknow Super Giants for Rs 11 crore ahead of the IPL 2025 mega auction. According to a report, the 22 years old cricketer is set to miss the first half of the tournament. Mayank is recovering from a lumbar stress injury and has just resumed bowling at the BCCI’s Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru.
3. Hardik Pandya:
Mumbai Indians’ captain will miss the team’s opening match against Chennai Super Kings on March 23 at the MA Chidambaram Stadium. Hardik, who made his IPL captaincy debut for MI last season, was suspended for one match after MI’s last group stage match of the IPL 2024 against Lucknow Super Giants due to a slow over rate.
4. Mitchell Marsh:
The Australian T20I captain, acquired by LSG for Rs 3.40 crore, is another player doubtful for the start of the IPL 2025. Due to lower back pain and dysfunction, Marsh was ruled out of the Champions Trophy 2025 in January and it was reported then that he could miss the IPL as well.
5. Josh Hazlewood:
Royal Challengers Bengaluru secured the services of the Australian fast bowler for Rs 12.50 crore but his participation in the IPL 2025 is uncertain. He is currently out of action due to a hip injury, raising questions about his availability for the tournament.
Additionally, uncertainty looms over Jacob Bethell’s participation in the league. The English cricketer, signed by RCB for Rs 2.60 crore, is currently sidelined due to a hamstring injury and an official confirmation on his availability is awaited.
With the tournament just around the corner, franchises will be keeping a close watch on players’ fitness updates, hoping to have their star performers return to action soon.
