IPL 2022: Injured Suryakumar Yadav ruled out of Mumbai Indians’ season opener against Delhi Capitals

Suryakumar Yadav
Suryakumar Yadav. (Photo Source: Twitter)
Suryakumar Yadav
Suryakumar Yadav. (Photo Source: Twitter)

Five-time IPL champions Mumbai Indians will miss their star batsman Suryakumar Yadav in their first game of the season. The Mumbai franchise begin their IPL 2022 campaign against Delhi Capitals at the Brabourne Stadium.

Incidentally, Suryakumar Yadav had copped up a thumb injury against West Indies, when the team from the Caribbean Islands travelled to India for three ODIs followed by the same number of T20Is.

The injury ruled the star batsman from the subsequent T20I series against Sri Lanka. Since then, the 31-year-old cricketer has been undergoing rehabilitation at the National Cricket Academy in Bengaluru.

As per reports in ESPNCricinfo, Suryakumar Yadav has not been released as of yet. Moreover, he will not be available for selection in the IPL till he gets a clearance from the NCA.

Meanwhile, Suryakumar’s absence will be a major blow to Mumbai Indians as the lack of experienced Indian batters in the line-up apart from Ishan Kishan and captain Rohit Sharma. They are likely to slot in Anmolpreet Singh in the playing XI for their opener on Sunday.

Suryakumar Yadav has been one of their consistent performers since joining the side in 2019. He had a stellar season in 2021, finishing as Mumbai’s second-highest run-scorer with 317 at a strike rate of 143.43. He was instrumental in shifting gears and controlling the momentum of the game whenever he came out to bat.

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Mumbai Indians create ‘13,000 square metre bio-secure MI arena’

Mumbai Indians have set up an outdoor “bio-secure MI Arena” at Jio World Garden, in Mumbai. The 13,000 square metre “MI Arena” will exclusively serve as a recreational facility for the players, their families, the coaching staff and support staff.

According to the statement released by the franchise, it will help the players bond with each other.

“MI Arena has been created to allow the team to connect and get to know each other better through the season, but also un-wind and relax. The past 2 years has thrown up so many unique challenges but we are “One Family” and it is MI’s priority and responsibility to keep everyone safe and happy”, a MI spokesperson was quoted as saying in the media release.

The 13000 sq. mt arena will have a futsal ground, pickleball court, box cricket, foot volleyball, golf driving range, MI Battleground, mini Golf, MI Cafe and a kids zone