Suryakumar Yadav Ruled Out? Here's Mumbai Indians' Strongest XI For IPL 2024

image-lr4pws8eSKY will likely miss initial half of IPL 2024 [X.com]

In a significant development, experienced Indian batter Suryakumar Yadav is all set to miss the initial phase of the IPL 2024 due to sports hernia. The swashbuckling batter will undergo surgery just before the IPL and will, therefore, be ruled out of the tournament's first leg. 

Suryakumar's absence could be a massive setback for Mumbai Indians in the marquee event, as he has been the backbone of their batting unit. In 83 innings, India's Mr 360 has amassed 2641 runs for MI at an average of 35. 21 and an impressive strike rate of 146.23. His ability to smack the bowlers through all parts of the ground makes him a beast in the shortest format. 

Therefore, as Suryakumar will likely be out of MI's initial games, let's see how the five-time champions could lineup in those fixtures. 


Mumbai Indians' Strongest XI For IPL 2024

The dynamic duo of Rohit Sharma and Ishan Kishan will open the batting for Mumbai Indians. While Rohit Sharma brings plenty of experience to the table, Ishan's ability to take on the attack makes him an asset in the power play. Besides opening the batting, the explosive southpaw will keep the wickets for the franchise. 

Young Hyderabad batter Tilak Varma will bat at number three, with skipper Hardik Pandya slotted at number four. Pandya, who started his career as a finisher, has enjoyed stellar success as a number four batter for Gujarat Titans in the IPL, garnering 627 runs at an average of 41.80 and a strike rate of 137.80. 

Pandya will likely be followed by Nehal Wadhera, Tim David and seam bowling all-rounder Romario Shepherd. The trio's job will be to ensure a fitting finish for the five-time champions in the tournament. 

MI's bowling unit will comprise ace speedster Jasprit Bumrah alongside Jason Behrendorff, Gerald Coetzee and Piyush Chawla. 


Mumbai Indians' strongest starting XI (if SKY is ruled out)

Rohit Sharma, Ishan Kishan (WK), Tilak Varma, Hardik Pandya (C), Nehal Wadhera, Tim David, Romario Shepherd, Jasprit Bumrah, Piyush Chawla, Jason Behrendorff, Gerald Coetzee 

Imapact substitutes: Vishnu Vinod, Akash Madhwal, Dewald Brevis, Kumar Kartikeya, Shams Mulani