Renowned Indian cricketer Sunil Gavaskar feels that Mumbai Indians (MI) have felt the absence of Suryakumar Yadav significantly in the current Indian Premier League (IPL 2024).
Suryakumar, who underwent sports hernia surgery in January, is still recovering and has not joined the MI squad for IPL 2024. Reports indicate that he may miss several more matches.
Gavaskar highlighted that Suryakumar’s return will significantly uplift the Mumbai-based team, given the 33-year-old’s established success in the format. Sharing his thoughts on Star Sports, the former cricketer-turned-commentator expressed:
“Mumbai Indians are definitely missing Suryakumar Yadav. Suryakumar bats at No.3, and he can counterattack so well, but he is not available at the moment. MI will be hoping and praying that he is available very quickly because he can make a difference. He is a game-changer.”
It’s notable that Suryakumar Yadav holds the top spot as the No. 1-ranked T20I batsman in the ICC rankings. He amassed 605 runs from 16 matches in the previous edition of the tournament, boasting an impressive strike rate of 181.13, making him Mumbai’s highest run-scorer.
The team led by Hardik Pandya has endured a disastrous start to their IPL 2024 campaign, suffering their third consecutive defeat with a six-wicket loss to Rajasthan Royals (RR) at Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai on Monday, April 1st.
After being put into bat, Mumbai concluded their innings at 125/9, a target Rajasthan achieved in only 15.3 overs. This loss makes MI the second team, following Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB), to lose a home match this season.
“Coaches know more about it rather than us players” – Piyush Chawla views on Suryakumar Yadav’s recovery
MI’s experienced leg spinner, Piyush Chawla, mentioned that the Mumbai franchise is awaiting confirmation from the National Cricket Academy (NCA) regarding Suryakumar Yadav’s fitness.
He also indicated that the coaches and support staff at the NCA would be more knowledgeable about the batter’s recovery status. Addressing reporters before the MI vs RR match, Chawla said:
“NCA still has to look after that and coaches know more about it rather than us players.”
Mumbai find themselves at the bottom of the points table. They will face Delhi Capitals (DC) at the Wankhede Stadium on Sunday, April 7th.
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