Suryakumar passes most fitness tests and is scheduled to play on April 7 or April 11.
The world’s top-ranked T20 batter, Suryakumar Yadav, is very certain to participate in his first IPL match of the season after passing nearly all of the National Cricket Academy’s fitness tests. This will provide the Mumbai Indians with much-needed batting support.
After undergoing two surgeries for a sports hernia and a grade 2 ankle tear, Suryakumar was not able to play in the T20 series in South Africa.
Surya has passed every routine test required to obtain an RTP (Return To Play) certificate from the NCA, with the exception of one. A more complete picture will become apparent after the final test on Thursday, a top BCCI source told PTI under condition of anonymity.
“He is batting comfortably and has done all simulations,” he said.
When asked if Suryakumar would be able to participate in the Mumbai Indians’ home game against the Delhi Capitals on April 7, the source responded, “After tomorrow’s tests, a clearer picture will emerge.” The next game is still three days away, but given it’s a long-overdue comeback, it might possibly take place at home on April 11 versus RCB.”
The bold batsman has been MI’s most consistent performer over the last four to five seasons, thus his absence from the starting lineup has affected the squad, which has dropped its opening three games of the current campaign.
His successor The Punjabi player Naman Dhir is still developing, and Hardik Pandya, the struggling captain, will undoubtedly require “Mr 360 degree” to stop the bleeding.
The clear mandate for the medical staff of the BCCI was to guarantee that India’s best T20 batter was fully fit for the T20 World Cup in the USA and the West Indies, as well as to ensure that there were no untimely injuries during the IPL.