Mumbai Indians are on the brink of a much-needed batting boost, with the impending return of Suryakumar Yadav, the world's top-ranked T20 batter. After successfully navigating through numerous fitness assessments at the National Cricket Academy, he is nearing his first IPL appearance of the season.
Suryakumar's journey back to the field hasn't been without hurdles, having undergone surgeries for a grade 2 ankle tear and a sports hernia. His last appearance was in the T20 series in South Africa, marking a significant hiatus from competitive cricket.
According to a senior BCCI official speaking to PTI anonymously, Suryakumar has aced almost all mandatory tests required for obtaining the Return To Play (RTP) certificate from the NCA. Only one final assessment remains, scheduled for Thursday, which will provide a definitive verdict on his readiness.
"He's been batting with ease and has successfully completed all simulation exercises," the source stated.
Regarding his potential inclusion in the Mumbai Indians' upcoming fixture against Delhi Capitals on April 7, the source remained cautious, emphasizing the importance of the final assessment. However, considering the significance of his comeback after a prolonged absence, the subsequent home game against RCB on April 11 could also be a viable option.
Suryakumar's absence has been keenly felt by Mumbai Indians, a team that has struggled in the absence of their prolific performer over the last few seasons. His replacement, Naman Dhir, is yet to fill the void, leaving skipper Hardik Pandya yearning for the dynamic presence of 'Mr 360 degree' to revitalize the team's fortunes.
The priority for the BCCI's medical team has been to ensure Suryakumar's full fitness for the upcoming T20 World Cup in the USA and West Indies while also safeguarding against any premature setbacks during the IPL campaign.
