Suryakumar Yadav Begins Batting Rehab in Bengaluru, Eyes Asia Cup Return After Surgery

India’s T20I captain Suryakumar Yadav resumed batting practice late last week at the BCCI’s Centre of Excellence (CoE) in Bengaluru. This marked his first net session after undergoing surgery for a sports hernia in Germany in July.

Under the care of the BCCI’s medical team, Suryakumar is in rehabilitation for his lower right abdomen surgery. His recovery schedule includes a gradual increase in workload over the coming weeks.

He is reportedly on course to be fit for the Asia Cup, which begins on September 9 in the UAE.

Bangladesh Series Postponement Alters Return Plan

As reported by ESPNcricinfo, his rehab was initially designed for a potential comeback during the T20I leg of the Bangladesh tour in late August. However, that series has now been deferred to 2026.

The last time Suryakumar played competitively was for Triumph Knights Mumbai North East in the Mumbai T20 League in June, shortly after IPL 2025 concluded.

He scored 122 runs in four innings. He was also being considered for the West Zone squad for the Duleep Trophy but will likely miss the tournament.

Practice Matches and Simulations Ahead of Asia Cup

The Indian team is expected to travel to the UAE in the first week of September for the Asia Cup. West Zone, who earned a direct semi-final berth in the Duleep Trophy, are scheduled to play on September 4.

As part of his final preparation, Suryakumar is expected to participate in practice matches and simulation drills arranged by the CoE.

The Asia Cup will kick off India’s preparation for the T20 World Cup 2026, which the country will co-host with Sri Lanka.

If fit, this will be Suryakumar’s first multi-nation tournament as India’s full-time T20I captain, having succeeded Rohit Sharma after India’s T20 World Cup win in 2024.

Suryakumar’s Recent Injuries and Surgeries

The 34-year-old Suryakumar had flown to Germany for surgery in July. This marks his third surgery in three years. He underwent an ankle operation in 2023 and previously had the same sports hernia surgery in 2024.

His recovery is being closely monitored by the BCCI, with his return path aligning with India’s preparations for the Asia Cup.

Outstanding IPL 2025 Season

Suryakumar had a stellar IPL 2025 season for Mumbai Indians. He became only the second batter after Sachin Tendulkar to score more than 600 runs in a single season for the franchise.

He finished the season with 717 runs, just behind the Orange Cap winner Sai Sudharsan, who scored 759.

Thanks to his form, Mumbai Indians advanced to the playoffs, beating Gujarat Titans in the Eliminator before falling short in the second Qualifier against Punjab Kings, captained by Shreyas Iyer.

His performance earned him the Player of the Series (Most Valuable Player) award.

Performance in Mumbai T20 League

Following the IPL, Suryakumar led Triumph Knights Mumbai North East in the Mumbai T20 League. He scored 122 runs in five innings. However, the team managed just one win out of five league games, finishing sixth among eight teams.

Upcoming Series and Asia Cup Plans

India’s next T20I assignment was supposed to be the Bangladesh tour in August 2025. The tour included three ODIs and three T20Is. However, the series has now been postponed.

The Asia Cup 2025, to be played in T20 format, is scheduled to be held in the UAE from September 9 to 28. A marquee match between India and Pakistan — both placed in Group A — will take place on September 14.

First India-Pakistan Clash Since Pahalgam Terror Attack

The upcoming India-Pakistan match holds added significance as it will be the first face-off between the two sides since the terrorist attack in Pahalgam, which killed 26 civilians.

Following the attack, India carried out Operation Sindoor, targeting terror infrastructure in Pakistan. The geopolitical backdrop will inevitably add tension and attention to the high-stakes contest.