Indian batsman Suryakumar Yadav could miss the first two matches of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 for Mumbai Indians (MI). As per PTI reports, it is learned that the batsman could be in a race against time to get fit for the league opener against Gujarat Titans (GT).

Suryakumar Yadav has been out of action since December 2023. The batsman injured his ankle during the T20I series against South Africa. The right-hander was then ruled out of the series along with the T20I series against Afghanistan in January.

Suryakumar Yadav, apart from receiving treatment for the ankle injury, also underwent surgery for the sports hernia. Since then, the batsman has not played a single match of cricket and he is now expected to make a comeback through the Indian Premier League for Mumbai Indians.

Suryakumar Yadav has started his rehabilitation and is currently at the National Cricket Academy (NCA), working hard towards his comeback. The right-hander was recently seen batting in the nets and also doing outdoor exercises with Arshdeep Singh.

With IPL 2024 around the corner, there has been a lot of speculation about whether Suryakumar Yadav will be fit when the league begins. He will be extremely vital for the franchise in the tournament and if they want to win the title, he must be fit.

A BCCI source revealed that Suryakumar Yadav’s rehabilitation process is on track and he will return to the league. He stated that the batsman is not yet cleared to play the first two matches of the league. Speaking to PTI, he said:

“Surya’s rehabilitation is on track and he will definitely ‘play again’ in the IPL itself. However, it is still unclear whether NCA’s sports science and medical team will give clearance to play in the first two away matches against Gujarat Titans and Sunrisers Hyderabad (March 27th).”

Could be race against time to get fit for first match: BCCI source at Suryakumar Yadav

The BCCI source also pointed out that with 12 days left for the Mumbai Indians’ first match, Suryakumar Yadav could be against the race to get fit when the first match begins. He added:

“There are still 12 days left before MI play their first match but it could be a race against time to get fit for the first match.”

Suryakumar Yadav will be a major factor for Mumbai Indians in the IPL. Since the last few seasons, he has played a magnificent brand of cricket, which no one has come close to. He will play under the leadership of Hardik Pandya, who was transferred to Mumbai from Gujarat and named captain, replacing Rohit Sharma.

Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 will begin since March 22. Mumbai Indians to play their first match against the Gujarat giants Sunday (March 24). It remains to be seen whether Suryakumar Yadav would be fit for that game or not.