Five-time champions Mumbai Indians (MI) will miss their key speedster Jasprit Bumrah at least for the initial few games in IPL-18. Bumrah emerged the third highest wicket-taker last season with 20 scalps from 13 games as Punjab Kings pacer Harshal Patel and defending champions Kolkata Knight Riders’ spinner Varun Chakravarthy led the chart with 24 and 21 wickets respectively.

MI head coach Mahela Jayawardene admitted that not having Bumrah is a challenge. “At the moment, everything is going well. But, obviously, it is on a day-to-day basis. He [Bumrah] is in good spirits. Not having him is a challenge and hopefully he can join the team soon. He is one of the best bowlers in the world and has been a fantastic pro for us for many years,” Jayawardene said during MI’s pre-season press conference at a city hotel on Wednesday.