Watch: Suryakumar Yadav Unleashes Trademark Shots in the Nets as he Gears up for IPL 2024 Return

World’s top-ranked T20I batter Suryakumar Yadav has started training with his IPL franchise Mumbai Indians after a long injury layoff as he unleashed his trademark shots without any visible discomfort during a nets session, raising hopes that he could compete in the team’s next match against Delhi Capitals.

Suryakumar joined his teammates at the Wankhede Stadium for an afternoon practice session ahead of their match on Sunday. The middle-order batter came to the stadium earlier than the team and spent close to an hour batting in the nets.

Following the long session, Suryakumar then did some mobility drills before catching up with his teammates and then speaking with Mark Boucher, head coach, and Kieron Pollard, batting coach.

The 33-year-old Mumbai batter was declared fit to play by the National Cricket Academy (NCA) following surgery to treat a sports hernia in Munich, Germany.

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Suryakumar, one of the most prominent T20 batters in the world-renowned for his 360-degree short-making, last played competitive cricket in December 2023 during the T20I leg of India’s tour of South Africa. He picked up an ankle injury while fielding in the third T20I at Johannesburg where he scored 100 off 56 balls, his fourth century in the format. India completed a series win in South Africa under his captaincy.

Suryakumar, winner of ICC Men’s T20I Player of the Year for 2022 and 2023, then underwent a sports hernia surgery in Munich, Germany, on January 17, which further ruled put him of action. His availability is a big boost for MI, who have been winless in IPL 2024.

(With inputs from Agencies)