Indian stand-in captain Suryakumar Yadav is sidelined from international cricket until February 2024 due to a grade II ankle injury, according to reports from the Indian Express. Leading India to T20I series victories against Australia and South Africa, SKY’s return to peak form was notable, with impactful performances in both series. However, his injury, sustained while fielding in the third T20I against South Africa in Johannesburg, means he is likely to miss the T20I series against Afghanistan commencing on January 11.

The scans confirmed a tear in Yadav’s ankle, and if he follows the fitness routine diligently, he is expected to recover by the first week of February. BCCI officials have acknowledged SKY’s injury, stating that he will undergo rehabilitation at the National Cricket Academy and is set to miss the Afghanistan series.

Suryakumar Yadav took over the captaincy in the absence of Hardik Pandya, who is also recovering from an ankle injury sustained during the World Cup game against Bangladesh. Pandya’s availability for the Afghanistan series remains uncertain as he continues his recovery process. With regular skipper Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli not playing T20Is since the T20 World Cup, the BCCI may need to appoint a new skipper, considering Rishabh Pant’s likely comeback during the IPL.

Suryakumar Yadav’s recent stellar performance included scoring his fourth T20I century in the third T20I against South Africa, where he scored 100 off 56 balls, contributing to India’s 201/7 in 20 overs. India went on to win the match by 106 runs, leveling the series. SKY was awarded the Man of the Match for his outstanding knock.

Despite being rested for the ODI series against South Africa, which India won 2-1 under the leadership of KL Rahul, Suryakumar Yadav’s injury poses a challenge for India’s captaincy options in the upcoming T20 fixtures, with the need to find a suitable leader as players like Pant are expected to make comebacks.