As the excitement for IPL 2024 mounts, the Mumbai Indians engaged in a team bonding exercise at Alibaug. The cricketers and support staff utilized this time to strengthen team camaraderie before their opening match against Gujarat Titans.

Absence of Rohit Sharma and Jasprit Bumrah

Despite most of the Mumbai Indians squad taking the ferry to Alibaug, former captain Rohit Sharma was notably absent. Videos released by Hindustan Times hinted at Rohit’s absence during the team’s journey and hotel check-in. Jasprit Bumrah’s absence also raised eyebrows, although it’s speculated that he might join the team later due to post-England Test series commitments.

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Notable Players Present at Alibaug

The prominent figures were current captain Hardik Pandya, Ishan Kishan, Tim David, Romario Shepherd, Arjun Tendulkar, and Mohammad Nabi. The coaching staff, including Mark Boucher, Lasith Malinga, and Kieron Pollard, accompanied the team for the bonding session.

Rohit Sharma’s Batting Drill

Rohit Sharma recently rejoined the team at Wankhede Stadium, where he underwent his first batting drill. Despite his absence from the Alibaug trip, Rohit showcased impressive form during the session, as depicted in pictures shared on social media.

Suryakumar Yadav’s Injury and Recovery

Suryakumar Yadav’s absence from the Alibaug trip is attributed to his ongoing recovery from injury. Surya awaits medical clearance from the National Cricket Academy after ankle and groin surgeries. While he’s unlikely to feature in the opening match, there’s optimism regarding his return for subsequent fixtures.

Coach Mark Boucher’s Statement

Coach Mark Boucher addressed concerns regarding player fitness, expressing hope for the best players’ availability throughout the season. He emphasized the importance of the medical team’s role in managing player injuries and reiterated his support for the squad’s well-being.

“We are awaiting updates on Suryakumar from the BCCI. We have always been under a cloud of fitness issues but we have a world-class medical team. We may lose one or two in terms of fitness but we have to move on.” Boucher addressed SKY’s status on Monday.