IPL 2024: Big blow for Mumbai Indians as superstar batter likely to miss first two matches of upcoming Indian Premier League

Indian Premier League (IPL) franchise Mumbai Indians (MI) are sweating over the fitness of their premier batter Suryakumar Yadav as the 2024 edition of the cash-rich tournament is fast approaching. Suryakumar is currently undergoing rehabilitation at the National Cricket Academy (NCA) in Bengaluru. Suryakumar has begun batting after he undertook a surgery for sports hernia but is yet to attain full match fitness.

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A report in PTI claimed that Suryakumar will return to action in the upcoming season of the IPL but his availability for the first two matches of the campaign is in jeopardy.

"Surya's rehabilitation is on track and he will certainly 'Return to Play' in the IPL itself. However it is still not clear whether the NCA's Sports Science and Medical Team will give clearance to play in the first two away games against Gujarat Titans and Sunrisers Hyderabad (March 27)," a BCCI source told PTI on condition of anonymity.

When did Suryakumar sustain an injury?

It has been around three months since Suryakumar played in a professional match. The No.1 ranked T20I batter in the world, Suryakumar suffered an injury to his ankle during a T20I match against South Africa in Johannesburg on December 14, 2023. The explosive batter has since been sidelined and in between he also underwent a surgery for sports hernia.

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Positive signs for MI and India

Recently, Suryakumar was spotted batting in the nets at the NCA which came as a major boost to not just MI but also for Team India. While Suryakumar remains the best batter for MI in IPL, he is also India's best batter in the shortest format of the game. With the T20 World Cup scheduled to be played right after the IPL, Suryakumar's form and fitness are of utmost importance for India. 

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