Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) fast bowler Mayank Yadav is set to miss the first half of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 due to a lumbar stress injury. The young speedster, known for consistently clocking over 150 kmph, has been undergoing rehabilitation at the BCCI’s Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru, where he recently resumed bowling.
Mayank Yadav’s Road to Recovery
Mayank’s injury woes date back to his international debut in the T20I series against Bangladesh in October 2024. Following that stint, he was forced into rehabilitation after suffering multiple injury setbacks, including a side strain that cut short his IPL 2024 campaign after just four matches. Since then, he has been under strict medical supervision, with a detailed fitness roadmap being developed in collaboration with the BCCI medical team and LSG’s management.
Despite resuming bowling, Mayank has not been given a fixed return date. However, if he successfully increases his bowling workload while meeting all fitness parameters, he could feature in the latter half of IPL 2025.
A Costly Setback for LSG
LSG had retained Mayank Yadav for INR 11 crore ($1.31 million approx.) ahead of the IPL 2025 mega auction, marking a meteoric rise from his initial price of INR 20 lakh in IPL 2024. His ability to generate extreme pace and claim back-to-back Player-of-the-Match awards in his first two IPL games made him one of the league’s most exciting young fast bowlers.
With LSG preparing for their season opener against Delhi Capitals on March 24 in Visakhapatnam, the team will have to find an alternative solution to cover for Mayank’s absence. His unavailability is a significant loss, considering how crucial a role he played in bolstering LSG’s pace attack last season.
Zaheer Khan’s Focus on Mayank’s Long-Term Fitness
Former India fast bowler Zaheer Khan, who now serves as LSG’s team director, emphasized the importance of ensuring Mayank returns only when he is in peak physical condition.
“As much as we are keen on having him [play IPL 2025], we want him 150% fit, not just 100% fit. We will do everything possible to get him there,” Zaheer stated.
Given Mayank’s immense potential, the BCCI selection committee had already placed him in their fast-bowling contracts program, viewing him as a long-term asset for Indian cricket. His recurring injuries, however, have raised concerns about his durability at the highest level.
The Bigger Picture for Indian Cricket and LSG
Mayank Yadav’s injuries have come at an unfortunate time, especially as he was on the verge of becoming a regular fixture in India’s fast-bowling setup. His raw pace and ability to unsettle top-order batters made him a game-changer for LSG, and the team will undoubtedly feel his absence in the crucial opening phase of the season.
With his return tentatively placed in the second half of the tournament, LSG will have to carefully manage their pace department in his absence. The franchise will hope that once fully fit, Mayank can continue where he left off and reclaim his position as one of the most feared young pacers in world cricket.
IPL 2025: What’s Next for LSG?
With Rishabh Pant leading Delhi Capitals in the season opener against LSG, the franchise will need to reshuffle its bowling resources. While they possess other pace options, none match Mayank’s sheer express pace and wicket-taking ability.
As IPL 2025 unfolds, all eyes will be on Mayank’s rehabilitation and whether he can make a triumphant return in the latter half of the tournament. His journey back to full fitness will be critical not only for LSG’s title ambitions but also for Indian cricket’s pace attack in the long run.
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Conclusion
Mayank Yadav’s absence is a significant blow for LSG, but the franchise remains committed to his long-term fitness rather than rushing him back prematurely. His return could provide a crucial boost in the second half of IPL 2025, but until then, LSG must navigate the early stages of the tournament without their premier fast-bowling weapon.
