By Chirag - Mar 11, 2025 01:47 PM
The Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) have been dealt a major blow ahead of IPL 2025. Fast bowler Mayank Yadav is set to miss the first half of the tournament due to a back injury.
According to report, Mayank is recovering from a stress-related injury in his lower back and is currently undergoing rehabilitation at the Center of Excellence in Bengaluru. Though he has started bowling again, his availability remains uncertain.
LSG’s confidence in Mayank’s talent was evident when they retained him for a hefty sum of Rs 11 crore before the 2025 mega auction. The franchise’s faith in his abilities was well-founded, given his explosive performances in the previous season. However, with Mayank now set to miss a significant portion of the tournament, LSG finds itself in a tough spot, losing one of their most potent bowling weapons.
Mayank Yadav burst onto the scene in IPL 2024 with his exceptional pace, consistently clocking speeds above 150 km/h. His accuracy and ability to trouble batters made him a key player for LSG. In just four matches last season, he picked up seven wickets, earning Player of the Match honors in his first two games against Punjab Kings and Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB). Unfortunately, his season was cut short due to a side strain, forcing him into rehab. During his recovery, he suffered another injury, delaying his return to competitive cricket.
Mayank first made headlines in IPL 2023 when he bowled at an astonishing speed of 155 km/h. Although injuries limited his participation in that season, he made a remarkable comeback in IPL 2024. His debut match against Punjab Kings saw him take three wickets, followed by another three-wicket haul against RCB. These performances earned him consecutive Player of the Match awards, making him one of the most talked-about young fast bowlers in India.
Despite playing only four matches, LSG decided to retain him for Rs 11 crore, reflecting their long-term vision. However, with him missing a large chunk of the upcoming season, the team now faces a significant setback.
Mayank’s stellar performances earned him a spot in the Indian squad for the T20I series against Bangladesh in October 2024. He played all three matches but was forced to withdraw due to injury concerns. While the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has not officially disclosed details of his injury, reports suggest he has a stress-related issue in his lower back.
Despite being under constant medical supervision, Mayank’s injuries have hampered his progress. LSG’s team director, Zaheer Khan, recently confirmed that the franchise is in regular contact with the BCCI medical team and is prioritizing Mayank’s recovery.
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
— ESPNcricinfo (@ESPNcricinfo) March 11, 2025
More details ? https://t.co/5NgdnNZ21k #IPL2025 pic.twitter.com/HvzSCSxSIV
Mayank Yadav was expected to be a trump card for LSG in IPL 2025. His absence in the first half of the season could create challenges for the team, especially in crucial encounters. Unfortunately, IPL regulations allow for replacements only if a player is ruled out for the entire season, meaning LSG cannot sign a replacement unless Mayank is officially withdrawn from the tournament.
Adding to the challenge, LSG will now be led by a new captain, Rishabh Pant. The team management will have to strategize and find alternative bowling options to fill the void left by Mayank. With his pace and wicket-taking abilities missing from their lineup, LSG might struggle in the initial matches.
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