SKY as impact sub just precautionary: MI coach Jayawardene
MI head coach Mahela Jayawardene clarified Suryakumar Yadav's impact substitute role in the IPL opener was a precautionary measure due to a minor groin niggle. Jayawardene emphasised the decision was made to protect the valuable player for the entire season, ensuring he remains fit for future matches.
MUMBAI: Quite a few fans were surprised to see India’s T20 skipper Suryakumar Yadav playing as an impact substitute in the Mumbai Indians’ IPL opener against Kolkata Knight Riders here on Sunday, but MI head coach Mahela Jayawardene put a lid on speculation, saying it was merely a precautionary measure due to a niggle the ace batter is nursing after leading India to victory in the T20 World Cup. Go Beyond The Boundary with our YouTube channel. SUBSCRIBE NOW!
Jayawardene insisted there were no “unwanted stories” here. SKY did not field for MI in their first match of the season, though he scored an 8-ball 16 as the hosts hammered KKR by six wickets, recording their highest successful run chase in IPL history. “I hope we don’t create unwanted stories.
The camp is happy. He wanted an extra couple of days off. He had a little tight groin and was doing fielding and all that, but I knew we had another five days from this game to the next.
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 it’s fine,” Jayawardene told reporters when quizzed on whether Suryakumar was being used as an impact substitute in the same manner as MI skipper Rohit Sharma last season, with no role in fielding. “So please don’t create any stories.