Suryakumar Yadav was introduced as Impact Player during MI's chase.
Suryakumar was named as one of the five substitutes and was introduced as an Impact Player during the chase. The right-hander, who recently led India to T20 World Cup triumph, lasted only 8 balls and scored 16 runs but his absence from the field during the first innings left fans wondering if all was well in the camp.
Speaking to media after the match, MI head coach Mahela Jayawardene addressed the decision, saying that the franchise management wanted to give Surya a little more time after a hectic T20 World Cup 2026 campaign.
"I hope you don't create unwanted stories. The camp is very happy. Everyone's happy. Sky came, joined us. He had an extra couple of days he wanted as well. He joined. He had a slightly tight groin. He was doing fielding and all that. I knew I had another five days from this game to the next game. I just wanted to give him that extra bit of time. He was even keen at the end to go for three to four overs," Jayawardene said in the post-match presser.
Jayawardene confirmed that there was a bit of a niggle that Suryakumar had to deal with, and it was a "calculated" and "precautionary" measure to ensure the star batter's fitness throughout the long season.
"I said, no, just fine. It's okay. It was a change. Please don't create any stories. It's just that I have to take precautions. These are very valuable players for me to have them going throughout the season. These are calculated decisions that I make, and the management makes. There's nothing beyond that," he added.
Coming to the match, MI registered a comprehensive six-wicket victory over KKR, marking their first opening match win since 2012, ending a 13-year drought in IPL season openers.
Chasing 221 to win, Ryan Rickelton smashed 81 off 43 while Rohit Sharma hit 78 off 38 as MI overhauled the target with five deliveries to spare.