IPL 2026: Groin strain keeps Suryakumar Yadav out of MI playing XI

Suryakumar Yadav warms up ahead of MI’s opening match against KKR at Wankhede on Sunday. Pic/IPL

Just a few weeks ago Suryakumar Yadav was leading India at the Wankhede Stadium in the World Cup semi-final against England. He helped the hosts beat England and then guided them to a final win over New Zealand to emerge world champions.

However, when Mumbai Indians (MI) announced their playing XI for their IPL-19 campaign opener against Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) at the same venue on Sunday, Suryakumar's name was missing. He was named as the impact substitute.

This understandably set tongues wagging with MI fans unhappy to see India's T20 World Cup-winning captain unable to find a place in the team. However, MI head coach Mahela Jayawardene clarified that this was not the case. "I hope you don't create unwanted stories. The [MI] camp is very happy, everyone's happy.

SKY came, joined us. He had an extra couple of days he wanted as well. He joined us and he had a slightly tight groin. He was doing his fielding and all that but I knew I had another five days from this game to the next so I just wanted to give him that extra bit of time. He was even keen at the end to go [and field] for three-four overs. But I said, no, it's just fine," Jayawardene told reporters at the post-match press conference.

"It's just that I have to take precautions. These are very valuable players for me to have them going throughout the season. These are calculated decisions that I make, and the management makes. There's nothing beyond that," added the Sri Lankan.

Suryakumar, who walked out to bat at No. 3, scored 16 runs off eight balls (3x4s) before he was dismissed, caught in the deep by Rinku Singh off KKR pacer Kartik Tyagi.