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Suryakumar Yadav Ruled Out Of Initial Matches; MI's Strongest Playing XI For IPL 2024

SKY might miss MI's first two IPL 2024 games [X.com]SKY might miss MI's first two IPL 2024 games [X.com]

The much-anticipated seventeenth season of the Indian Premier League is all set to commence on March 22, with defending champions Chennai Super Kings taking on Royal Challengers Bangalore in the tournament opener. 

Besides these two powerhouses, the focus will also be on arguably the greatest-ever T20 franchise, Mumbai Indians, as the tournament progresses. 

The five-time champions witnessed a major leadership turnaround before the mini-auction last year, with Hardik Pandya replacing Rohit Sharma as the captain following MI's historic all-cash trade with Gujarat Titans. 

While Pandya's homecoming has boosted Mumbai's middle order, Suryakumar Yadav's injury has emerged as a massive headache for them. 

According to emerging reports, India's Mr 360 Degree is yet to recover from a sports hernia, for which he recently underwent surgery. 

So, he might miss the first two games during the initial phase of the tournament, giving opportunities to the likes of Nehal Wadhera and Vishnu Vinod. 


Mumbai Indians' Strongest Playing XI For IPL 2024

So, coming to MI's strongest possible playing XI, ex-captain Rohit will open the batting alongside keeper-batter Ishan Kishan, with stylish southpaw Tilak Varma slotted at number three. 

In Suryakumar's absence, skipper Hardik might bat at number four, where he had astounding success during his two-year stint with Gujarat Titans. 

As a number four batter, Hardik has amassed 627 runs in 26 IPL innings at an impressive average of 41.80 and a strike rate of 137.80. The presence of designated finishers like Tim David and Romario Shepherd could also tempt Pandya to come at number four, giving him the luxury to bat at his preferred position. 

Although Vishnu Vinod's striking ability is undisputed, Wadhera seems to be the frontrunner to replace Suryakumar in MI's playing XI. The dynamic Punjab batter played some scintillating cameos last season, scoring 241 runs at a blistering strike rate of 145.18. So, he will likely be used as a floater, depending on the match situation. 

Wadhera should be followed by the explosive overseas duo of Tim David and Romario Shepherd, who can ensure a fitting finish for the five-time champions. 

While Piyush Chawla will lead MI's spin attack, ace speedster Jasprit Bumrah will spearhead the pace battery alongside Gerald Coetzee and Jason Behrendorff. 

MI's strongest playing XI for IPL 2024 (In SKY's absence)

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

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