'He is fully fit and available' - Zaheer Khan gives update on MI batter Ishan Kishan

Five-time champions Mumbai Indians got a boost at the top of their batting line-up as wicketkeeper-batter Ishan Kishan has returned fully fit from an injury he sustained on his left toe during MI’s clash with Delhi Capitals in 2022 Indian Premier League (IPL). Similarly, middle-order batter Suryakumar Yadav has also joined the squad’s bio-bubble after recovering from a finger injury and completing the mandatory quarantine period.

The Mumbai-based franchise will take on Rajasthan Royals at Dr DY Patil Sports Academy on April 2 (Saturday). The information on availability for players like Kishan and Surya was given by the team’s director of cricket operation Zaheer Khan. The five-time champions will look to win their second match of the season, after suffering a loss at the hands of Delhi Capitals.

“Ishan is absolutely fine, he has been practicing regularly. He’s fully fit and available,” said Zaheer Khan ahead of Mumbai Indians’ game vs Rajasthan Royals.

The left-handed-batter Kishan played an outstanding knock of 81 off 48 balls, smashing 11 fours and two sixes in the process. However, he ended up injuring his toe in the process. It all happened on the second delivery of the 18th over when a pinpoint Shardul Thakur yorker hit Kishan’s left toe. He did sneak a leg bye to go off-strike after coping the blow but was seen limping since then

While he continued to bat for the remainder of the innings, the southpaw didn’t take the field in the second innings and went for scanning. Chasing a target of 178, the Capitals were mostly out of the competition after being 104/6 in 13.2 overs. However, excellent knocks from Lalit Yadav (48 off 38 balls), Thakur (22 off 11) and Axar Patel (38 off 17 balls) gave Delhi a fantastic win.

Chinaman Kuldeep Yadav was adjudged player of the match award for taking three crucial wickets in his four over quota, while giving away only 18 runs. The five-time champions will now face a stiff challenge from Rajasthan Royals who thrashed Sunrisers Hyderabad by 61 runs in their previous encounter.