As the much-anticipated Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 awakens the excitement of cricket aficionados around the globe, several Indian cricket stars are anticipated to make their return to competitive play after various injury-induced hiatuses. Notable among them are KL Rahul, Rishabh Pant, and Hardik Pandya, who have been recuperating from their respective injuries and are now poised to delight fans with their on-field prowess. Much buzz is also focused on T20 sensation Suryakumar Yadav, who, after undergoing groin surgery to address a sports hernia about two months ago, is nearing his return to the pitch, although not as swiftly as some of his contemporaries like Pant.
Currently, Yadav, affectionately known as ‘Surya,’ is in the throes of rehabilitation at the National Cricket Academy (NCA), making steady progress toward regaining his optimal fitness level. Despite the optimistic outlook, his readiness for the full spectrum of cricketing duties remains under wraps. His social media updates paint a picture of rigorous strength and conditioning drills, yet the start of his skills and batting practice remains unseen, sparking questions about his initial availability for the Mumbai Indians once the tournament kicks off.
“Surya’s rehabilitation is on track, and he will certainly ‘Return to Play’ in the IPL itself. However, whether the NCA’s Sports Science and Medical Team will give clearance to play in the first two away games against Gujarat Titans and Sunrisers Hyderabad is still up in the air,” a source from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) revealed to Press Trust of India (PTI).
The Mumbai Indians franchise, where Surya has been a pivotal figure for the last few seasons, begins their campaign with a face-off against the Gujarat Titans in Ahmedabad at the renowned Narendra Modi Stadium on Sunday, March 24. An ensuing away game against the Sunrisers Hyderabad is also on the schedule, casting a veil of doubt over Surya’s participation in these inaugural matches of the season.
The race against time becomes more palpable as the source elaborates, “There are still 12 days to go before MI play their first game, but it could be a race against time to get fit by the first match itself.” Given Surya’s instrumental role in the Mumbai Indians lineup, it’s clear the team’s management and fans alike are eager for his swift comeback. Although Vishnu Vinod stands as a reliable backup, the anticipation surrounding Surya, acclaimed as the No.1 T20 batter, remains undiminished.
The situation presents a conundrum not just for Surya but for the Mumbai Indians as well. The team’s strategies and preparations will need to accommodate the potential absence of their star player, or the much-anticipated return of the dynamic batsman who has time and again proven his mettle in this highly competitive tournament.
Cricket followers eagerly hone in on the NCA updates and Suryakumar Yadav’s social media for any sign of the official word that confirms his status for the opening games. With hope hanging in the balance, the imminent question persists – will Suryakumar Yadav grace the field in all his glory from the start of IPL 2024, or will his fans have to wait a little longer to witness his spellbinding performances? As the countdown to the Mumbai Indians’ first match diminishes, the cricketing world holds its breath, awaiting the outcome of this intriguing fitness race.
