Mumbai Indians have received a major boost as Jasprit Bumrah, their ace fast bowler, has rejoined the squad after completing his rehab at the BCCI Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru. His return comes just in time ahead of the high-voltage clash against Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) in the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 season.

Out since January due to a back injury sustained during the Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Sydney, Bumrah missed MI’s opening games this season — a period marked by the franchise’s disappointing performance, winning just one out of their first four matches.

Though it’s still uncertain whether Bumrah will be cleared to play against RCB on April 7, there is growing optimism around his return for MI’s April 17 match against Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH). His presence could be the turning point for a side desperate for stability in their bowling attack.

The speedster has been central to Mumbai Indians’ success since debuting in 2013, racking up 165 wickets in 133 matches. Regarded as one of the best pacers across all formats, Bumrah’s return has lifted the mood in the MI camp.

SRH all-rounder Nitish Kumar Reddy is already looking forward to the challenge of facing Bumrah. “He’s one of the best bowlers in the world. Scoring against him would mean a lot. Facing players like him makes the game truly exciting,” Reddy said on Gen Bold, a JioHotstar show.

He also praised the golden generation of Indian cricket, saying, “This era has been shaped by legends like Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, and Jasprit Bumrah. They’ve set a high benchmark we all aspire to reach.”

Meanwhile, MI’s woes continue with the underwhelming form of ex-captain Rohit Sharma, adding pressure to turn their season around as quickly as possible.

President Droupadi Murmu, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and Congress leader Rahul Gandhi extended their greetings to the nation on the occasion of Ram Navami.

In a post on X, Murmu expressed her heartfelt congratulations and best wishes to everyone celebrating the sacred festival of Ram Navami. She emphasized that this festival embodies the principles of religion, justice, and duty.

She noted that Lord Shri Ram, revered as Maryada Purushottam, exemplifies the ideals of sacrifice, commitment, harmony, and courage. Murmu urged all citizens to take a pledge on this auspicious occasion to work collectively towards building a developed India.

Prime Minister Modi conveyed his wishes, stating that he hopes the blessings of Lord Ram will always guide everyone in their endeavors. Later in the day, he plans to visit Rameswaram in Tamil Nadu to offer prayers at the Ramanathaswamy temple.

“Ram Navami greetings to all! May the blessings of Prabhu Shri Ram always be with us and guide us in all our endeavors,” he wrote on X, also mentioning his anticipation of his visit to Rameswaram.

Gandhi, the Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha, also shared his wishes for Ram Navami, hoping that this divine festival brings happiness, peace, and prosperity to everyone.

In Rameswaram, the Prime Minister will inaugurate the new Pamban Rail Bridge, India’s first vertical lift sea bridge, around noon. He will also flag off a train and a ship from the road bridge while observing the operation of the bridge.

Following this, at approximately 12:45 p.m., he will perform darshan and puja at the Ramanathaswamy temple. Around 1:30 p.m., Modi will lay the foundation stone and dedicate various rail and road projects worth over ₹8,300 crore to the nation in Tamil Nadu, and deliver a speech to the gathered crowd on this momentous occasion.

Authorities have issued notices to 300 individuals who protested against the Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2025, by wearing black badges during Friday prayers. They have been required to submit bonds of ₹2 lakh each, the police official said on Sunday.

Congress MP Mohammed Jawed and AIMIM leader Asaduddin Owaisi have filed a petition with the Supreme Court challenging the Waqf Bill.

The number of individuals initially identified stood at 24 by Saturday. Superintendent of Police (City) Satyanarayan Prajapat stated that notices were issued to 300 individuals after they were recognized through CCTV footage. Police are continuing efforts to identify additional protesters. Prajapat confirmed to reporters on Saturday that 24 notices had previously been served.

The notices, issued by City Magistrate Vikas Kashyap based on the police report, require the protesters to present a bond of ₹2 lakh each when they appear in court on April 16. The individuals who received these notices had worn black badges on their arms during prayers at various mosques on March 28 to express their dissent against the Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2025.

Parliament approved the Waqf (Amendment) Bill early on Friday after the Rajya Sabha passed the controversial legislation following a debate that lasted more than 13 hours. The discussion was marked by strong opposition from various parties, which criticized the Bill as “anti-Muslim” and “unconstitutional,” while the government defended it as a “historic reform” aimed at benefiting the minority community.

In the Rajya Sabha, the Bill received support from 128 members, while 95 voted against it. Earlier, in the Lok Sabha, it was approved with 288 in favor and 232 opposed. President Droupadi Murmu granted her assent to the Bill on Saturday.