
The Indian Premier League (IPL) is right around the corner with teams gearing up for the exciting summer of T20 cricket. Several players have joined their respective franchise training camps to start the season on a high and provide their teams an initial winning momentum at the start of the season.
However, as players re-group with their franchise before the start of the new season, a number of seasoned players are set to miss the initial phase of IPL, primarily due to injury concerns. In light of their impact on the game for their franchise, here is a complete list of players set to miss the initial matches of IPL 2025.
List of players who will miss the start of IPL 2025
1. Mayank Yadav (Lucknow Super Giants):
Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) have retained Indian pacer Mayank Yadav for INR 11 crore ahead of the IPL 2025 mega auction. However, according to an ESPNCricinfo report, the 22-year-old fast bowler from Delhi, who made his India debut last year, is expected to miss the first half of IPL 2025. Mayank is currently recovering from a lumbar stress injury and has only recently resumed bowling at the BCCI’s Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru.
2. Josh Hazelwood (Royal Challengers Bengaluru):
Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) made a significant acquisition in the IPL 2025 mega auction by signing Australian fast bowler Josh Hazlewood for Rs 12.50 crore. However, the seasoned pacer is currently sidelined with a hip injury, putting his participation in the upcoming season in jeopardy. Hazlewood, known for his lethal pace and precision, has been an integral part of Australia’s bowling attack. As of now, there are concerns regarding his fitness and availability for the 18th edition of the IPL. His recovery timeline remains uncertain as of now.
3. Jasprit Bumrah (Mumbai Indians):
Legendary Indian fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah was retained by the five-time IPL champions Mumbai Indians (MI) for INR 18 crore ahead of the IPL 2025 mega auction. The 31-year-old pace sensation has been sidelined since January due to a lower back injury. While Bumrah has started bowling again, reports indicate that he is set to miss the first two weeks of IPL 2025 as he continues his recovery. His absence during the initial phase of the tournament raises questions about his full fitness and readiness. Despite this, Mumbai will be hoping for his swift return to action.
4. Mitchell Marsh (Lucknow Super Giants):
Australia’s T20I captain, Mitchell Marsh was acquired by LSG for Rs 3.40 crore in the IPL 2025 mega auction. However, Marsh may miss the beginning of the upcoming season due to a persistent back issue. Marsh has been struggling with lower back pain and dysfunction, which led to his withdrawal from the Champions Trophy 2025. The widespread speculation remains that his injury could also impact his availability for IPL 2025. With the start of the tournament fast approaching, concerns remain over Marsh’s recovery and whether he will be fit in time to feature for LSG at the start of the season.
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5. Hardik Pandya (Mumbai Indians):
MI skipper Hardik Pandya is set to miss the opening match of IPL 2025 against Chennai Super Kings (CSK) at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai on March 23. Hardik, who made his debut as MI’s captain last season, was handed a one-match suspension following Mumbai’s final group-stage encounter in IPL 2024 against LSG due to a slow over rate. As a result, he will be ineligible for selection for the first match of the new season. Mumbai will have to navigate their opening game without their star leader.
6. Jacob Bethell (Royal Challengers Bengaluru):
There is still no official clarity over Jacob Bethell’s participation in IPL 2025. The English star, who was signed for INR 2.60 crore by RCB in the IPL 2025 mega auction, is out of action these days due to a hamstring injury. His recovery timeline is unclear, and with the season fast approaching, it’s uncertain whether he will be fit in time to make an impact for RCB in the opening few matches of the season.
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