Suryakumar Yadav - sportstiger

Picture Credit: BCCI/IPL

With only a few days left for the start of the 15th edition of the Indian Premier League, 5-time champions Mumbai Indians have been dealt with the major blow. The Rohit Sharma-led team will miss the services of one of their prime batters in the first game of the season against Delhi capitals on March 27.

Suryakumar Yadav who was ruled out of the Sri Lanka T20I series with a hairline fracture in his thumb has still not fully recovered and is all set to miss the first game of IPL 2022. Yadav is at the National Cricket Academy (NCA) with a few others recovering from their respective injuries. It is a major blow for Mumbai Indians as Yadav has been one of their best batters in the past two seasons.

Also, Yadav was looking in a really good touch in India's series against West Indies. He emerged as the highest scorer for the Men in Blue. However, he sustained an injury while fielding in the last T20I. He is at the NCA recovering from his thumb injury and is unlikely to get match fit for MI's fits game of the season.

“Surya is currently at the NCA doing his rehabilitation. He is well on his way to recovery but there is a possibility that his participation in the opening game will be a real touch-and-go affair,” a senior BCCI source privy to developments told PTI on conditions of anonymity. “So, there could be a possibility that he might be advised by the board’s medical team to not risk playing the opener,” he added.

Rohit Sharma and Jasprit Bumrah join Mumbai Indians camp

While Yadav is still recovering from his injury, Mumbai Indians captain Rohit Sharma and Jasprit Bumrah have joined the team's camp in Mumbai ahead of their opening game. The duo reached Mumbai at midnight on 14 March, shortly after finishing their national assignment. Mumbai Indians will start their IPL 2022 campaign with a game against Delhi Capitals on March 27 at the Brabourne Stadium.