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The Indian Premier League (IPL) is one of the most anticipated cricket tournaments globally, and its 18th edition is set to kick off on March 22. As teams gear up for the competition, Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) have faced a significant setback with their young and promising fast bowler, Mayank Yadav, is reported to miss the first half of the IPL 2025 season.
Mayank Yadav’s IPL journey
Mayank’s IPL career has been nothing short of spectacular. After being bought by LSG for a modest INR 20 lakh ahead of the 2024 season, he made a stunning debut, earning back-to-back Player of the Match awards in his first two games. His ability to consistently bowl at speeds exceeding 150 kph, including delivering the fastest ball of IPL 2024 at 156.7 kph, made him an instant sensation.
This impressive performance led to a significant increase in his value, with LSG retaining him for INR 11 crore ahead of the IPL 2025 mega auction. His absence in the first half of the season is a considerable blow to the team, which had high hopes pinned on him.
International debut aftermath: A turning point
Mayank’s journey to international cricket was marked by a remarkable debut against Bangladesh in October last year. However, this milestone was soon overshadowed by a lower back injury, specifically a lumbar stress injury, which he sustained during the series. This setback forced him to undergo rehabilitation at the BCCI’s Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru.
The injury has been a persistent issue, with Mayank resuming bowling only recently. His participation in the latter half of IPL 2025 will depend on his recovery progress and meeting the required fitness standards. The BCCI has not announced a specific return date, leaving the timeline uncertain.
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Mayank’s impact on Lucknow Super Giants
LSG’s preparations for IPL 2025 have been marred by Mayank’s injury. The team, led by new captain Rishabh Pant, who was acquired for a record-breaking INR 27 crore, is expected to face a challenging start without one of its key bowlers. LSG’s first match is scheduled against Delhi Capitals on March 24 in Visakhapatnam, and the absence of young pacer will undoubtedly be felt.
The team’s reliance on other bowlers like Avesh Khan and Mohsin Khan will increase, as they look to fill the void left by Mayank’s absence. Despite this setback, LSG remain a strong contender for the title, given its well-rounded squad and the explosive batting prowess of players like Pant and David Miller.
Recovery roadmap and future prospects for Mayank
Mayank’s recovery is being closely monitored by both LSG and the BCCI. Zaheer Khan, LSG’s team director, has emphasized the importance of working closely with the BCCI’s medical team to ensure Mayank’s safe return to competitive cricket. The focus is on gradually increasing his bowling workload while ensuring he meets all fitness parameters.
The possibility of Mayank playing in the second half of IPL 2025 offers a glimmer of hope for both the player and his team. His return could significantly boost LSG’s chances in the latter stages of the tournament. However, the uncertainty surrounding his recovery timeline means that LSG must plan strategically without relying too heavily on his potential return.
