Suryakumar Yadav set for a return in RCB vs MI clash after paternity leave

Suryakumar Yadav is set to link up with the Mumbai Indians’ squad ahead of the game against the Royal Challengers Bengaluru on Sunday, May 10. India’s T20I captain and his wife, Devisha Shetty, were blessed with a baby girl earlier this week. He was granted paternity leave as he didn’t travel with the team to Raipur ahead of the high-voltage clash against the defending champions.

However, a report from Cricbuzz states that Suryakumar will be reaching Raipur soon and is very likely to feature in the clash, which will be held at the Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh International Stadium. Suryakumar led the Mumbai Indians in their last game after regular captain Hardik Pandya missed out due to back spasms. The five-time champions defeated the Lucknow Super Giants by six wickets at the Wankhede Stadium, chasing down a 229-run target with consummate ease and snapping a three-match losing streak.

How has Suryakumar Yadav fared with the bat?

Suryakumar was phenomenal with the bat last season in the IPL as he amassed 717 runs in 16 matches at an average of 65.18 and a strike rate of 167.92. During the season, he smashed five half-centuries, including a highest score of 73*.

However, IPL 2026 hasn’t been as productive for the 35-year-old. He had been struggling with the bat in international cricket, even during the T20 World Cup 2026, which preceded the IPL. Unfortunately for Suryakumar and the Mumbai Indians, the abysmal form has continued during the cash-rich league.

In 10 innings, he has only aggregated 195 runs at an average of 19.50 and a strike rate of 145.53. Suryakumar deals in sixes when he is in form. However, amid his disappointing run with the bat, the stalwart has only managed to hit five maximums.

The arrival of a baby in the Yadav family could, however, bring luck to the right-handed batter as the Mumbai Indians gear up for a strong push at the back end of the season.