In a major setback to India’s T20 plans, Suryakumar Yadav has suffered an ankle injury and will remain out of the Indian squad till February 2024. The injury comes ahead of the T20 World Cup next year and the world is aware of Suryakumar Yadav’s factor in the T20 format of the game.
In a significant setback to India’s T20 World Cup preparations, Suryakumar Yadav, the stand-in captain, is set to miss the upcoming series against Afghanistan and potentially the marquee tournament in 2024. The talented batsman sustained a Grade-II tear in his ankle during the third T20 against South Africa, jeopardizing his availability for the crucial matches ahead.
The injury occurred in the third over of the South African innings, following Suryakumar impressive century in the same game. Despite expressing optimism post-match, scans revealed the severity of the injury, ruling him out for approximately seven weeks. This unfortunate development comes at a crucial juncture as India gears up for the T20 World Cup next year.
Suryakumar, who recently led the team in the absence of Hardik Pandya, now joins the list of key players facing fitness concerns. Hardik Pandya’s return remains uncertain, further complicating India’s team composition for the series against Afghanistan, scheduled to commence on January 11.
While Suryakumar absence is a blow, there is a glimmer of hope as players will participate in the Indian Premier League (IPL) before the T20 World Cup. However, the Indian team management faces a challenging task in reshaping the squad and ensuring adequate preparation for the upcoming global tournament.
Suryakumar had been in imperious form, becoming the third Indian batter to surpass 2000 runs in T20 and equalling the record for most centuries in the format with Rohit Sharma and Glenn Maxwell. His absence will undoubtedly be felt, emphasizing the need for India to swiftly address the leadership vacuum and batting prowess ahead of the T20 World Cup campaign in the West Indies and the USA
As the cricketing world anxiously awaits updates on Suryakumar recovery and India’s subsequent team selections, the T20 World Cup landscape appears uncertain for the Men in Blue.
