Suryakumar Yadav spotted batting in nets for first time after surgery ahead of IPL 2024

Star India batter Suryakumar Yadav made his return to batting for the first time since undergoing surgery in January 2024. He had been sidelined from competitive cricket since India's T20I series against South Africa in December after hurting his ankle while fielding in Johannesburg. After a detailed medical examination, the injury revealed a sports hernia, adding to his fitness woes, and consequently, the 33-year-old batter was ruled out of action until February 2024.

The Mumbai Indians (MI) batter shared a video on his Instagram story, showing him practicing in the nets as preparations ramp up for the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 edition. His return to training is a promising development for the Mumbai-based franchise as his inclusion in the lineup will be instrumental in tackling the challenging middle overs during the competition. In the first place, he aims to gain valuable match time in the IPL before the pivotal ICC T20 World Cup commences on June 2.

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Watch the video:

Suryakumar Yadav had Started batting in the nets after recovering from his surgery ahead of #IPL2024 pic.twitter.com/wFZlyQv6HM

— Priyanka Joshi (@Priyank79476502) March 6, 2024

Suryakumar Yadav boasts impressive T20I stats

Suryakumar Yadav, ranked as the No. 1 T20I batter, boasts impressive stats in the shortest format of the game. Since his debut in 2021, Suryakumar has featured in 60 T20I matches, amassing a remarkable 2141 runs at an average of 45.55 and an astounding strike rate of 171.55. The 33-year-old has notched up four centuries and 17 half-centuries in just 60 games.

Yadav's recent performances have been outstanding, with a fifty and a hundred in his last two T20I matches against South Africa in December. Additionally, he was the top run-scorer for Mumbai Indians in IPL 2023, accumulating 605 runs. He is expected to continue showcasing his batting prowess in the upcoming IPL season.

Also read: Returning to Mumbai Indians feels like coming back to where it all began: Hardik Pandya

In other news, MI have appointed Hardik Pandya as their new captain for IPL 2024, following a high-profile trade with Gujarat Titans. This decision has sparked debate within the cricket community, as Pandya takes over the leadership from Rohit Sharma, who had been leading the side for a long time.