India fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah made his first appearance after surgery for Mumbai Indians in the final of the Women’s Premier League (wpl) 2023.
Bumrah, who has been out of action since September 2022, interacted with England fast bowler Jofra Archer at the Brabourne Stadium.
In February 2022, MI had snapped Archer but he missed the tournament due to an injury. Fans were hoping to see Bumrah and Archer in tandem in the upcoming IPL season, but their dream was denied due to Bumrah’s long-term back issue.
However, fans got something to cheer for as Bumrah and Archer, alongside the entire MI team, were in attendance for the WPL final between Delhi Capitals and Mumbai Indians. MI shared a glimpse of the two fast bowlers interacting on the sidelines during the women’s match.
Bumrah, who missed the Asia Cup and the T20 World Cup last year, recently underwent back surgery in New Zealand. It is yet to be determined when the 29-year-old will complete his rehabilitation and return to action, with the 50-over World Cup later this year a likely target.
Mumbai Indians will begin their IPL 2023 campaign against Royal Challengers Bangalore on April 2.
In the WPL 2023 Final, Mumbai Indians beat Delhi Capitals by seven wickets to clinch the first-ever title. Issy Wong gave MI the perfect start as she sent back three crucial DC batters – Shafali Verma, Alice Capsey and Jemimah Rodrigues. DC were reduced to 79/9, with four overs to go. Just when it seemed DC would fold, Shikha Pandey and Radha Yadav stood up and added 52 runs off just 24 balls to take the side to 131/9.
In reply, MI lost their openers Hayley Matthews and Yastika Bhatia early on. DC mounted the pressue of dot balls on MI but captain Harmanpreet Kaur and Nat Sciver-Brunt stood firm to take the match deep. DC made a comeback in the match in the 17th over when Harmanpreet was run out. However, the incoming Amelia Kerr took pressue off MI and Sciver-Brunt hit the winning runs in the final over.