Zaheer Khan: ‘Surya is fit, and we are eagerly anticipating his arrival’

Suryakumar Yadav, Mumbai Indians’ ace batsman, will be available for selection for Saturday’s IPL match against Rajasthan Royals at the DY Patil Stadium, according to team director Zaheer Khan.

In the third and final T20I against the West Indies in Kolkata in February, Yadav suffered a hairline fracture while fielding. And he was recuperating at Bengaluru’s National Cricket Academy. The Mumbai batsman joined the team a few days ago and has already participated in training sessions. Yadav did not play in Mumbai Indians’ first game against Delhi Capitals, but he has since been declared fit.

“He is available for selection,” Zaheer said during their pre-game press conference on the eve of their game. “As I mentioned earlier, he is practising, so it’s something that we’re all looking forward to, and his availability for the next game, he is available,” Zaheer said. This season, dew has played an important role, as bowlers have struggled to grip the ball, especially under the lights in the chase.

“We don’t have control over dew.” It’s difficult for spinners, and even pacers, when the yorkers go wrong. So those are the game’s challenges, and we have to deal with them,” Zaheer explained. The Mumbai Indians have started slowly as usual, but Zaheer is unfazed. “There have been a lot of positive discussions, but we’ve always been slow starters.” I’m pleased with the way things are going; the last game taught us a lot. The importance of different phases of the game varies. In certain phases, you want the best batters and bowlers. A concerted effort is made to communicate with each individual.”

Ishan Kishen was hit by a delivery from Shardul Thakur in the previous game, but Zaheer assured that the young dashing wicket-keeper batsman was fine.

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