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India's T20I captain Suryakumar Yadav played as an impact player in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 encounter between Mumbai Indians and Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) on March 29. Suryakumar did not field and batted at no.3 in the run chase. While there were speculations about why Suryakumar is playing as an impact player, head coach Mahela Jayawardene cleared the air. Jayawardene revealed that Suryakumar took a couple of extra days off and had a tight groin. Not including him in the starting eleven was a precautionary move.
“I hope we don’t create unwanted stories. The camp is very happy, everyone’s happy. Sky came and joined us after taking a couple of extra days he wanted. He had a little tight groin, and he was doing fielding and all that, but I knew I had another five days from this game to the other game. I just want to give him that extra bit of time. He was even keen at the end to go for three, four overs, but I said no, it’s fine,” Jayawardene said in the post-match presentation.
“It’s just that I have to take precautions. These are very valuable players for me to have them going throughout the season. So these are calculated decisions that I make and the management make. So there’s nothing beyond that.”
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Mumbai Indians create history
In the run chase of 221 at Wankhede Stadium, Suryakumar walked out to bat at no.3 after Rohit Sharma departed for a 38-ball 78. Suryakumar got off the mark with a boundary. He contributed with an eight-ball 16 cameo. In the 15th over, he was dismissed by Kartik Tyagi. MI went on to chase down 221 with six wickets in hand and five balls to spare.
In their opening game, MI scripted history. They pulled off their highest-ever successful run chase. It is also the sixth-highest successful run chase overall. It is also the first time since 2012 edition when MI have won their campaign opener.
MI’s next clash
MI's next clash is against Delhi Capitals at Arun Jaitley Stadium on April 4. As per Jayawardene, Suryakumar is likely to be in the starting eleven for the game against Axar Patel's side.
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