Mayank Yadav, the fast bowler for Lucknow Super Giants (LSG), is set to miss the first half of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 due to a lumbar stress injury. He has been undergoing rehabilitation at the BCCI’s Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru and has recently resumed bowling. Mayank’s absence is a significant setback for LSG, who retained him for INR 11 crore ahead of the IPL 2025 mega auction, following his impressive performance in IPL 2024 where he consistently bowled over 150 km/h.
Mayank Yadav Background and Injury Details
Injury: Mayank Yadav is recovering from a lumbar stress injury, which he sustained after making his India debut in the T20I series against Bangladesh in October 2024.
Rehabilitation: He has been rehabilitating at the BCCI Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru and has just started bowling again.
Return Possibility: There is no confirmed date for his return, but he might feature in the second half of IPL 2025 if he meets the required fitness parameters and increases his bowling workload.
Impact on LSG
- Team Performance: Mayank’s absence will be a significant blow to LSG, especially given his ability to bowl at high speeds and his past performances in the IPL.
- Potential Replacements: LSG might consider replacements like Will O’Rourke, a New Zealand pacer known for his control and economy, to fill the gap left by Mayank.
LSG’s Season Ahead
- First Match: LSG will begin their IPL 2025 campaign against Delhi Capitals on March 24 in Visakhapatnam under the captaincy of Rishabh Pant.
- Team Strategy: Zaheer Khan, LSG’s Director of Cricket, emphasized the importance of ensuring Mayank is fully fit before returning to play, highlighting his value to both LSG and Indian cricket.
