Is Suryakumar Yadav ruled out of IPL 2024? BCCI's update raises concern for MI skipper Hardik Pandya

While the issues for Mumbai Indians (MI) don't seem to end, now adding to skipper Hardik Pandya's woes is the absence of their main batter Suryakumar Yadav. The right-handed batter has been sidelined since his impressive T20I century against South Africa in December last year due to an ankle injury, followed by a sports hernia injury.

ALSO READ | Hardik Pandya bears brunt of criticism, but MI management also under scrutiny from fans - Here's what we know

While he underwent surgery for both injuries, with the groin surgery taking place in Munich in January, it was known that he would be recovering and miss the start of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024. However, now fresh updates state that it would take even more time for him to recover.

According to the Times of India, Yadav is expected to miss several more IPL matches and his progress is currently under close observation by the National Cricket Academy (NCA). The reason for being so cautious is due to the upcoming ICC Mne's T20 World Cup 2024 and BCCI would not want to miss his services at the main event. 

ALSO READ | IPL 2024 - Amidst crowd booing, Hardik Pandya and Rohit Sharma hug on the field after a wicket

A BCCI source told the news outlet, "Surya is making very good progress, and very soon he will be back playing for MI. However, he might have to sit out for a few more games, having missed the first two. For BCCI, the main concern is if he is on course for the World T20, which he is. He will play for MI, but after a sports hernia surgery, he can't be rushed".

SKY had wanted to return to action during the DY Patil T20 Cup last month but had not received clearance from the BCCI's medical team. He had undergone a fitness test at the NCA before the start of IPL 2024 but failed to obtain permission for his comeback.

ALSO READ | IPL 2024 - SRH's 277-run total sees RCB fans' desire to erase 49-all-out record as well

Currently ranked as the top T20I batter globally, Suryakumar Yadav has missed both of MI's IPL 2024 games so far. His absence has surely affected the side as Mumbai suffered defeats in both their opening games, especially the second where Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) surpassed the record of the highest total scored in an IPL game. The five-time IPL champions are scheduled to face Rajasthan Royals (RR) next Monday (April 1).

Watch 50k+ Titles on SonyLiv, Zee5, Fancode and 20+ OTTs and 250+ Live TV channels with OTTplay Premium subscription at just ₹75 for the first month.