Indian batter Suryakumar Yadav will be sidelined for the next few months due to a Grade-II ankle tear. The stand-in captain incurred the injury during the third T20I against South Africa at Wanderers in Johannesburg on December 16.
Despite scoring a record-equalling fourth T20I century in the first innings, helping India reach 201-7 in 20 overs, Yadav twisted his ankle while fielding in the second innings. The injury occurred when he threw the ball after collecting a hit by Reeza Hendricks off Mohammad Siraj.
He had to be carried off the field after the medical team assessed his condition near the boundary ropes.
The star batter discussed the injury in the post-match presentation following the Men in Blue restricting the hosts to just 95 runs. In the absence of Suryakumar, vice-captain Ravindra Jadeja assumed leadership duties.
“I am good. I am walking, so good,” Suryakumar had told about his injury after the series.
As per the Indian Express report, Suryakumar Yadav underwent a scan upon returning from South Africa. The evaluation of the results indicates that he is anticipated to make a complete recovery by the first week of February.
“He will take some time to recover. He will have to report to the National Cricket Academy later to do his rehabilitation. So He is surely going to miss the Afghanistan series,” source in the Indian board informed.
The batsman is expected to make his return in Indian colors directly at the T20 World Cup 2024, as the series against Afghanistan serves as the final bilateral T20I series before the ICC event. The three-match home series against Afghanistan is set to commence from January 11.
Regarding his preparations for the 2024 T20 World Cup, he will be fully fit well before the 2024 Indian Premier League (IPL). Following a remarkable season in 2023, he is poised to play a significant role for the Mumbai Indians (MI) as they embark on a new phase under Hardik Pandya.
Suryakumar Yadav captained India in recent matches against Australia and South Africa
Initially appointed as captain for the home series against Australia, Suryakumar Yadav assumed the leadership role due to uncertainties about Rohit Sharma’s T20 future and Hardik Pandya being sidelined with an injury. The top-ranked T20I batsman led Team India to a 4-1 victory over Australia.
Continuing as captain for the South Africa tour, Yadav guided India to a 1-1 series draw, with the first match being abandoned due to rain in Durham.
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