Mayank Yadav, a fast bowler for the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG), will not play in the first half of the 2025 Indian Premier League. According to ESPNcricinfo, Mayank has recently returned to bowling at the BCCI’s Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru, where he has been receiving rehabilitation following his injury sustained during his India debut in the T20I series against Bangladesh last October. He is recuperating from a lumbar stress injury.
Although the BCCI has not yet established a specific timeframe for Mayank’s return, he may play in the second half of the IPL if he satisfies all fitness requirements and increases his bowling effort.
LSG, who had paid INR 11 crore ($1.31 million) to acquire Mayank prior to the massive auction, suffered a setback when he was unavailable throughout the first half of the competition. For Mayank, who was purchased for INR 20 lakh before the 2024 season as an uncapped fast bowler, it was a huge financial leap.Because of his ability to bowl at rapid speeds—consistently above 150 kph—Mayank was able to fetch such a high wage. In his first two IPL games, he won Player-of-the-Match twice. Mayank was added to the group of quicks who were awarded fast-bowling contracts by the national selectors, who were encouraged by his future abilities.
Former India fast bowler Zaheer Khan, who is now LSG’s team director, stated in February that the squad was collaborating closely with the BCCI’s medical staff to develop a plan for Mayank’s comeback. Zaheer emphasized, nevertheless, that he would only want Mayank to return to the saddle fully recovered. “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,” he had stated.
Under new skipper Rishabh Pant, LSG will play their season opener against the Delhi Capitals on March 24 in Visakhapatnam.
