IPL 2025: Complete List Of Players Who Are Set To Miss The Start Of The Season

The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 is just around the corner, promising another thrilling summer of high-octane T20 cricket. As teams finalize their preparations and players join their respective training camps, franchises are eager to start strong and gain early momentum.

However, despite the excitement surrounding the tournament, several key players are set to miss the opening phase of IPL 2025 due to injuries and other reasons. Their absence could significantly impact their teams, making the initial few games even more challenging.

Here’s a look at the players who will miss the initial phase of IPL 2025 and how their absence could affect their franchises.

1. Mayank Yadav (Lucknow Super Giants)

Why He’s Missing: Lumbar Stress Injury

Franchise: Lucknow Super Giants (LSG)
Injury Concern: Lower back (Lumbar stress injury)
Expected Return: Second half of the tournament

Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) had high hopes for Mayank Yadav, retaining him for a whopping ₹11 crore after his phenomenal debut season in IPL 2024. The 22-year-old pacer from Delhi had made headlines with his raw pace, consistently clocking speeds above 150 kph, and even delivering the fastest ball of IPL 2024 at 156.7 kph.

Unfortunately, Mayank’s rapid rise was halted by a lumbar stress injury, sustained after his international debut for India against Bangladesh. Currently undergoing rehabilitation at the BCCI’s Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru, he has only recently resumed bowling, making it unlikely for him to be available for the first half of the tournament.

Impact on LSG:

LSG will miss his express pace, which was a key weapon in their bowling attack.
The team will have to rely on Avesh Khan and Mohsin Khan to fill the void.
If he returns in the latter half, his comeback could be crucial for LSG’s playoff push.

2. Josh Hazlewood (Royal Challengers Bengaluru)

Why He’s Missing: Hip Injury

Franchise: Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB)
Injury Concern: Hip injury
Expected Return: Uncertain

RCB made a big move in the IPL 2025 mega auction, securing Australian pacer Josh Hazlewood for ₹12.50 crore. Known for his precision, control, and wicket-taking ability, Hazlewood was expected to play a vital role in RCB’s bowling attack.

However, his participation in the tournament is now in doubt due to a hip injury that has sidelined him for an extended period. His recovery timeline remains uncertain, and if he fails to recover in time, it could be a major setback for RCB’s bowling lineup.

Impact on RCB:

RCB will lack a reliable overseas fast bowler.
Mohammed Siraj and Reece Topley will have to take on extra responsibility.
If Hazlewood returns later in the season, he could provide a much-needed boost.

3. Jasprit Bumrah (Mumbai Indians)

Why He’s Missing: Lower Back Injury

Franchise: Mumbai Indians (MI)
Injury Concern: Lower back
Expected Return: After the first two weeks of IPL 2025

Mumbai Indians made no hesitation in retaining their pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah for ₹18 crore ahead of the IPL 2025 auction. One of the most lethal fast bowlers in the world, Bumrah’s absence will be a major blow to MI’s campaign.

The 31-year-old pacer has been dealing with a lower back injury since January, although he has resumed bowling recently. Reports suggest that he will miss the first two weeks of IPL 2025 to ensure a full recovery before returning to action.

Impact on MI:

MI will have to depend on Jason Behrendorff and Gerald Coetzee to lead the pace attack.
If Bumrah recovers well, his return could immediately strengthen MI’s bowling unit.
The team will have to be careful not to rush him back too soon.

4. Mitchell Marsh (Lucknow Super Giants)

Why He’s Missing: Persistent Back Issue

Franchise: Lucknow Super Giants (LSG)
Injury Concern: Lower back pain
Expected Return: Uncertain

LSG made a smart investment in acquiring Australia’s T20I captain, Mitchell Marsh, for ₹3.40 crore in the IPL 2025 mega auction. A dynamic all-rounder, Marsh was expected to provide explosive batting and handy medium pace to the squad.

However, the persistent lower back issue that forced him to withdraw from the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 has now put his IPL participation in jeopardy. There is still no official confirmation on his availability, making his return timeline uncertain.

Impact on LSG:

LSG will miss a power-hitting middle-order batsman.
The team’s all-rounder options will be reduced.
If he recovers in time, his presence could greatly enhance LSG’s balance.

5. Hardik Pandya (Mumbai Indians)

Why He’s Missing: One-Match Suspension

Franchise: Mumbai Indians (MI)
Reason: Suspension due to slow over-rate
Expected Return: After the first match

Mumbai Indians’ newly appointed captain, Hardik Pandya, will not be available for MI’s opening match of IPL 2025 against Chennai Super Kings (CSK) on March 23 at the MA Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai.

The all-rounder was handed a one-match suspension for maintaining a slow over-rate in MI’s last group-stage match of IPL 2024 against LSG. Although his absence is not injury-related, missing their captain in the first game is still a setback for MI.

Impact on MI:

MI will have to appoint a stand-in captain for the first match.
The team’s balance will be affected, as Pandya contributes with both bat and ball.
His return in the second match will help MI settle into their rhythm.

6. Jacob Bethell (Royal Challengers Bengaluru)

Why He’s Missing: Hamstring Injury

Franchise: Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB)
Injury Concern: Hamstring injury
Expected Return: Uncertain

RCB secured England’s young all-rounder Jacob Bethell for ₹2.60 crore in the IPL 2025 mega auction, hoping he would add depth to their squad. However, there is no official confirmation on his availability, as he is currently recovering from a hamstring injury.

His recovery timeline remains uncertain, and RCB’s management is closely monitoring his fitness before making a decision on his participation.

Impact on RCB:

RCB will miss a promising young all-rounder.
Their middle-order options may be affected.
His recovery status will determine his role in the latter stages of the tournament.

IPL 2025 Begins with Key Absences

As IPL 2025 kicks off, teams will have to navigate through the initial phase without some of their most valuable players. While injuries and suspensions are a part of the game, franchises will need to rely on their squad depth and make smart tactical adjustments.

For now, fans will eagerly wait for these key players to return, hoping they can make a strong impact once they are back on the field. Their comebacks could prove crucial in determining their teams’ success later in the tournament.

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