In a recent development, Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) have been dealt a major blow with just over 10 days left for the much-awaited Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 season. Tearaway pacer Mayank Yadav is set to miss the first half of the upcoming T20 tournament, according to a report by ESPNCricinfo.
Lucknow Super Giants retained Mayank Yadav for ₹11 crore ahead of the IPL 2025 mega auction. The express pacer was among five players retained, alongside Ravi Bishnoi, who was also retained for ₹11 crore. Nicholas Pooran was the Lucknow-based franchise’s most expensive retention at ₹21 crore.
Mayank Yadav Has Faced Multiple Injury Setbacks in His Career
Mayank Yadav, who gained attention for his express pace, has faced multiple injury setbacks early in his career. He played only four matches and took seven wickets in the IPL 2024 season before an abdominal strain ruled him out. The pacer won back-to-back Player of the Match awards in his first two games.
The 22-year-old suffered another injury during rehabilitation but managed to recover in time for the T20I series against Bangladesh. He took four wickets at an economy rate of 6.92 in his maiden international series. The right-arm fast bowler wasn’t considered for the England series earlier this year due to injury.
Mayank Yadav Resumes Bowling at BCCI’s Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru
According to ESPNcricinfo, Mayank Yadav is currently recovering from a lumbar stress injury and has resumed bowling at the BCCI’s Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru. The report added that he could make a comeback in the second half of IPL 2025.
“ESPNcricinfo has learned that Mayank is recovering from a lumbar stress injury and has just resumed bowling at the BCCI’s Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru, where he has been undergoing rehab after getting injured following his India debut in the T20I series against Bangladesh last October,” the report added.
There is no return date for Yadav, but if his rehabilitation progresses well, he could be available for the second half. It is worth mentioning that he was bought for ₹20 lakh as an uncapped player ahead of IPL 2024.
We Want Him 150% Fit, Not Just 100% Fit – Zaheer Khan
In February 2025, Lucknow Super Giants team director Zaheer Khan stated that the franchise was working with the BCCI’s medical team to plan Mayank Yadav’s recovery. He emphasized that they would only bring him back when he was fully fit.
“As much as we are keen on having him [play IPL 2025], we want him 150% fit not just 100% fit so we’ll do everything possible to get him there,” Zaheer had said.
Rishabh Pant was appointed captain of Lucknow Super Giants after being purchased for ₹27 crore. LSG will begin their IPL 2025 campaign against Delhi Capitals (DC) on March 24 at the Dr. Y.S. Rajasekhara Reddy ACA-VDCA Cricket Stadium in Visakhapatnam.
The upcoming season will kick off on March 22, with defending champions Kolkata Knight Riders facing Royal Challengers Bengaluru in the opening match.
Also read: Ravichandran Ashwin claims Varun Chakaravarthy was ‘robbed’ of CT 2025 ‘Player of the Tournament’ award
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