T20I's number one batter Suryakumar Yadav is set to miss more matches in the upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 match in a big blow for Mumbai Indians (MI). He is still recovering from a sports hernia surgery. The National Cricket Academy (NCA) is closely monitoring his progress.
Yadav plays for the Mumbai Indians, who have unfortunately lost both their opening matches this season. His absence has been a big setback to the MI's batting line-up.
Suryakumar to miss more matches of IPL 2024
"Surya is making very good progress and very soon he will be back playing for MI. However, he might have to sit out for a few more games, having missed the first two," a BCCI source said, as quoted by TOI.
The Mumbai Indians are certainly feeling the pinch without Suryakumar Yadav in their batting order. So far in two matches that Hardik Pandya-led MI have played, they have suffered consecutive defeats. One against defending titles Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and the next match against Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH). However, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is prioritizing his long-term health. They understand his importance to the national team, particularly with the T20 World Cup scheduled for June in the USA and the West Indies. The BCCI is taking a cautious approach to ensure he's fully fit for the World Cup.
"For BCCI, the main concern is if he is on course for World T20 which he is. Obviously he will play for MI but after a sports hernia surgery, he can't be rushed," the source further added.
Suryakumar Yadav's absence is even more significant due to his exceptional batting skills. The 33-year-old batsman is known for his wide variety of shots, often drawing comparisons to the legendary South African cricketer AB de Villiers. This versatility is reflected in his outstanding strike rate of 171.55 in T20 cricket. Yadav is a proven performer for India, having amassed 2141 runs in his 60 T20 International appearances, including a remarkable feat of scoring four centuries. Despite his absence, the Mumbai Indians will look to bounce back in their upcoming match. They will face the Rajasthan Royals on Monday, April 1, which will be their first home game this season in Mumbai.
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