Mumbai Indians received a massive shot in the arm on Sunday as ace pacer Jasprit Bumrah rejoined the squad ahead of their IPL clash against Royal Challengers Bengaluru.

The team announced his return on social media, proclaiming, “Once a cub now a lion, the lion is back to be the king of the jungle again.” However, it’s unclear if Bumrah, India’s bowling spearhead, has secured NCA fitness clearance to bowl in the tournament.

Bumrah’s IPL legacy with Mumbai Indians is nothing short of stellar. Since his debut in 2013, he has scalped 165 wickets in 128 matches at an economy rate of 7.31, making him MI’s third-highest wicket-taker.

His best figures of 5/10 came against Kolkata Knight Riders in 2022, and he played a pivotal role in MI’s 2020 title run, snaring 27 wickets in 15 games. Known for his lethal yorkers and death-over mastery, Bumrah’s return could be a game-changer for MI’s campaign.

Bumrah has been out of action since early January, sidelined by a back issue sustained during the fifth Test against Australia in Sydney. The injury forced him to miss India’s limited-overs home series against England and the Champions Trophy. His return sparks hope for MI, who’ve struggled this season, and fans are eager to see if the 31-year-old can reclaim his throne as the IPL’s most lethal pacer in this high-stakes encounter.