Source : INDIA TODAY NEWS
Mumbai Indians fans are buzzing after seeing Akash Madhwal back training with the squad ahead of the IPL 2026 campaign. But many of them are wondering if the former MI pacer is back in the squad as a replacement for Jasprit Bumrah.
Madhwal played two seasons for MI in 2023 and 2024 and picked up 19 wickets in 13 matches. This included an impressive five for five against Gujarat Titans during a league game in 2023, which was his breakout season with MI. Since then, he was signed by Rajasthan Royals, but played just four games last season before being released. He went unsold in the 2026 auction and had a trial with KKR as they auditioned for a replacement for Harshit Rana.
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Madhwal was seen in a video training with MI and had a reunion with his former skipper Rohit Sharma. The pacer quickly showed his respect to Rohit, which was seen as a heartwarming gesture by fans.
However, many of them started to speculate if he was being kept on standby to replace Bumrah.
WHERE IS BUMRAH?
Despite MI’s preparations being in full swing ahead of their season opener against KKR, Bumrah paid a visit to the BCCI’s Centre Of Excellence in Bengaluru. However, a report from ESPNCricinfo stated that it was the fast bowler’s time at the facility is part of a carefully planned workload management strategy.
As per reports from ESPNCricinfo, the BCCI’s medical staff has outlined a dedicated strength and conditioning programme for Bumrah at the Centre of Excellence. The aim is to keep him in optimal shape for India’s crucial white-ball tour of England in July, which includes five T20Is and three ODIs.
Importantly for Mumbai Indians supporters, the 32-year-old continued to bowl in Bengaluru and remains actively involved in his skill-based training rather than being restricted. However, he is yet to join with the MI squad and seems likely to miss the game against KKR on March 30. MI have another casualty in the squad with Atharva Ankolekar being sidelined. It remains to be seen if Madhwal is being used as a net bowler or will be drafted into the side as a replacement.
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SOURCE :- TIMES OF INDIA
