🚨 Big trouble for Lucknow Super Giants! 🚨 Their fiery speedster, Mayank Yadav, is set to miss the first half of IPL 2025, dealing a major setback to the team’s campaign.
According to ESPNcricinfo, Mayank is currently recovering from a lumbar stress injury and has just resumed bowling at the BCCI’s Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru. The injury woes started after his T20I debut for India against Bangladesh last October, forcing him into an extended rehabilitation period.
🏏 What’s Next for Mayank?
As of now, there’s no confirmed return date, but if he clears all fitness tests and builds up his bowling workload, fans could see him back in action for the latter half of IPL 2025.
A Costly Setback for LSG
LSG had big plans for Mayank Yadav, retaining him for a whopping ₹11 crore after picking him up for just ₹20 lakh in the 2024 auction. His rapid rise in value was no surprise—Mayank’s express pace, consistently hitting 150 kph, made him a breakout star last season.
💨 Last Season’s Highlights:
- Won back-to-back Player of the Match awards in his first two IPL games
- Clocked speeds over 150 kph effortlessly
- Limited to just four games due to injury
However, his return was short-lived. After recovering from a side strain, he picked up another injury, further delaying his comeback. Though he made it back to play against Bangladesh in T20Is, yet another setback forced him out again.
LSG’s Recovery Plan & Zaheer Khan’s Take
LSG mentor Zaheer Khan recently addressed Mayank’s situation, making it clear that the franchise is not rushing him back.
“We have had some interesting conversations around his roadmap to recovery and fitness with the NCA. He’s important not just for LSG but for Indian cricket as well.”
With Delhi Capitals as their first opponent on March 24, LSG will have to start their IPL 2025 campaign without their pace sensation. Will they manage to fill the gap, or will Mayank’s absence be too big to overcome?
