NEW DELHI: Mumbai Indians are on the brink of receiving a crucial batting reinforcement as the world's top-ranked T20 batter
Suryakumar Yadav
has successfully passed nearly all fitness assessments at the
National Cricket Academy
. He is now nearing his debut IPL appearance for the season.
Suryakumar underwent several surgeries, including one for a grade 2 ankle tear and another for a sports hernia.
His last competitive outing was during the T20 series in South Africa.
"Surya has cleared all but one routine tests which are mandatory to get RTP (Return To Play) certificate from the
NCA
. There is one more test left to be conducted on Thursday, after which a clearer picture would emerge," a senior BCCI source told PTI on the condition of anonymity.
"He is batting comfortably and has done all simulations," he added.
Inquired about Suryakumar's availability for the Mumbai Indians' home fixture on April 7 against the Delhi Capitals, the source said: "The clearer picture will emerge after tomorrow's tests. There's still three days before the next game but since it's a comeback after a long time, it could also be April 11 at home against RCB."
The swashbuckling batter has been MI's most prolific performer for the past four to five seasons and his absence from the playing XI has been felt by the team that has lost its first three matches this season.
His replacement Naman Dhir, the player from Punjab, is yet to measure up and beleaguered skipper
Hardik Pandya
would certainly need 'Mr 360 degree' to stem the rot.
As far as the BCCI's medical team is concerned, the clear mandate was to ensure that India's premier T20 batter is completely fit for the T20 World Cup in the USA and West Indies, and also make sure that there are no premature breakdowns during the IPL.
(With PTI inputs)
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