Aakash Chopra explains Jasprit Bumrah`s crucial role for Mumbai Indians

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The upcoming edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL) is all set to begin from March 28. So far, the schedule of only first 20 matches has been released due to state elections.

Ahead of the cash-rich league, former Team India cricketer Aakash Chopra feels that Mumbai Indians` lead pacer Jasprit Bumrah is under pressure with the responsibilities he carries.

“If your name is Jasprit Bumrah, the pressure comes automatically. He is that kind of bowler. He creates an impact in every game, guarantees you a wicket, and restricts the opposition. That responsibility brings a lot of pressure because his four overs are the most precious thing for MI. Bowl one over in the powerplay, keep one for the middle phase and two at the death. That is Bumrah. That pressure is not going anywhere,” he said.

He then explained that whether Trent Boult or Deepak Chahar deliver performances, Bumrah will still have pressure on his shoulders. He also said that Shardul Thakur is a good replacement for Chahar.

“Whether Boult bowls well or Deepak Chahar is fully fit, Bumrah`s pressure stays with him. But if Boult is fit, MI will want to continue with him. Fit, available, in form. They will want the new ball to move around a little with Boult and Deepak Chahar. Shardul Thakur is a capable replacement for Chahar, but it does not necessarily mean that he plays ahead of him. A fit Deepak Chahar, a fit Trent Boult, Bumrah, and Hardik Pandya will be MI`s four starting pacers. Corbin Bosch is waiting in the wings. He is a very good all-rounder. But again, you cannot play all overseas players,” Chopra explained.

The “Paltan” will begin their campaign on March 29 against Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai.

IPL 2026, Mumbai Indians: Full squad

Rohit Sharma, Trent Boult, Suryakumar Yadav, Quinton de Kock (WK), Mitchell Santner, Deepak Chahar, Shardul Thakur, Corbin Bosch, Hardik Pandya (C), Jasprit Bumrah, Ryan Rickelton (WK), Will Jacks, Mayank Rawat, Mayank Markande, Sherfane Rutherford, Raghu Sharma, Atharva Ankolekar, Tilak Varma, Ashwani Kumar, Raj Bawa, Danish Malewar, Robin Minz (WK), Allah Ghazanfar, Naman Dhir, Mohammed Salahuddin Izhar.

(With ANI Inputs)

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