Picture Credit: BCCI/IPL
The Hardik Pandya-led Mumbai Indians (MI) did not have the start they were expecting as they once again lost their opening match of the Indian Premier League (IPL). Notably, it was the 12th instance that the Mumbai-based franchise has lost their first match of the tournament, with their last win in an opening encounter coming back in 2012.
Despite inviting the Gujarat Titans to bat first and the chasing 169-run target, the Hardik Pandya-led franchise failed to get off to the mark, losing by six runs. However, Rohit Sharma (43 off 29 balls) and Dewald Brevis (46 off 38 balls) played crucial knocks during their stay in the middle, player like Tim David, Hardik Pandya failed to capitalise on the chances. In the process, the side missed the services of No. 1 ranked T20I batter Suryakumar Yadav, who continues to nurse an injury.
Suryakumar Yadav to miss SRH vs MI IPL 2024 clash: Reports
At such a juncture, the biggest question arises is will Suryakumar Yadav mark his return to competitive cricket in match against SRH. However, a clear picture regarding the same is still awaited, but, according to reports by Sports Tak, Suryakumar Yadav will continue to miss Mumbai Indians game against SunRisers Hyderabad as he continues his rehabilitation at the National Cricket Academy in Bengaluru.
SKY notably underwent a fitness test on March 19 and failed to get NCA’s clearance to play the first match for MI, which they lost by six runs. He was set to undergo another fitness examination on March 21, but according to recent reports he still hasn’t been cleared by the NCA.
Reports further reveal that SKY is set to return in the IPL 2024 from either the third or the fourth match. Speaking of the MI’s IPL 2024 campaign, while they will face SRH at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium in Hyderabad on Wednesday, March 27, they will next play Rajasthan Royals at the Wankhede Stadium on April 11 before taking on Delhi Capitals on April 7 at the same venue.