LSG v MI: Focus on KL Rahul, Hardik Pandya as WC selection looms
Tottering at the penultimate ninth spot in the IPL points tally, the five-time champions MI are left with a final chance to keep their play-off hopes alive.
The struggling Mumbai Indians franchise can expect a much-needed shot in the arm with Suryakumar Yadav, the No.1 T20I batsman in the ICC rankings, likely to join the franchise ahead of Sunday’s clash against Delhi Capitals after the Mumbaikar got a fitness-clearance certificate from the National Cricket Academy in Bengaluru.
The Mumbai Indians right-hander underwent a sports hernia surgery in January and while he was expected to return to action at the start of IPL 2024, he had to miss the first three games after failing to get NCA’s clearance.
According to a source, Yadav is likely to join the MI camp by April 5, two days ahead of the clash against Delhi Capitals in Mumbai’s Wankhede Stadium.
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MI would hope that Yadav’s return will help in resurrecting their faltering IPL 2024 campaign and get it back on track. MI, the perennial slow-starters in the tournament, are yet to record their first victory in the ongoing edition of the IPL after having lost all their three games and tottering at the bottom of the points table.
MI’s new captain Hardik Pandya has been at the receiving end of the fans’ ire after the team’s disappointing performances in the ongoing season. Pandya, who took over from five-time IPL winning skipper Rohit Sharma, ahead of the 17th season, have been booed by fans both in their home and away fixtures.
Hardik faced the hostility of the Mumbai crowd in MI’s home opener against Rajasthan Royals when the star all-rounder walked out for the toss on Monday, leading commentator Sanjay Manjrekar to urge the crowd to ‘behave’ after introducing the MI skipper.
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