Suryakumar Yadav will play for Mumbai Indians this season, but can’t be rushed: BCCI source

Initial reports confirmed that flamboyant batter Suryakumar Yadav will miss the first two matches of Mumbai Indians in IPL 2024. However, as things stand, the batter is yet to regain full fitness and the National Cricket Academy (NCA) hasn’t permitted him to join the Mumbai squad. However, BCCI officials are hopeful that the 33-year-old will play a significant amount of matches in the cash-rich tournament but won’t rush him onto the field, as the ultimate goal is to keep the player fit for the T20 World Cup, which will begin on June 1.

A source tracking the development said that Suryakumar Yadav is making good progress but he might have to sit out for a few more matches. Notably, the batter injured his ankle in December 2023 and following which, he underwent a sports hernia surgery in Europe. Soon after that, the cricketer resumed practice at NCA and is still there under observation.

“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. 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,” a BCCI source was quoted as saying by The Times of India.

Meanwhile, Mumbai Indians lost both their matches so far in IPL 2024. In their opening game, the five-time champions lost to Gujarat Titans, while in their second encounter, they lost to Sunrisers Hyderabad in a run-fest at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium. In Suryakumar’s absence, Mumbai have fielded youngster Naman Dhir, who has done well in the two matches so far.

Also Read - Who is Naman Dhir?

It is still unclear when Suryakumar will return to action for Mumbai but it is expected him to play the entire second leg. Meanwhile, Mumbai will play Rajasthan Royals in their third match which is also their first home game of the season.