LSG fast bowler Mayank Yadav has announced his arrival in the ongoing Indian Premier League despite his team’s head coach Justin Langer not claiming him fully fit. Mayank posted a video on his social media account and informed his viewers about the arrival.
His arrival in the practice session is seen as a big relief for Lucknow Super Giants, who have been severely affected by the absence of their fast bowlers. Despite his inexperience, Mayank Yadav is the leader of this pack and is expected to play a game soon.
Watch: Not Shreyas Iyer! Arshdeep Singh picks Vijaykumar Vyshak as Punjab’s Impact Sub
Mayank Yadav announces his arrival
In a video on his Instagram handle, Mayank Yadav was seen training and building towards being match fit. He bowled with less intensity but looked comfortable. Although he seemed to be careful about his return.
In the caption of this post, Mayank seemed to suggest that he will be back on the field soon. The fast bowler is one of the most important assets for Lucknow Super Giants and is a missing link in their Playing XI.
In Mayank’s absence, LSG struggled in their first match of IPL 2025 against Delhi Capitals. LSG were deprived of options in the fast bowling department as they struggled during the death overs.
Justin Langer on Mayank Yadav’s return
This post comes just a couple of days after LSG head coach Justin Langer informed everyone that Mayank Yadav has has suffered a new injury on the way of his recovery. The injury has pushed back his rehabilitation, and he will take some more time before he makes a comeback.
Langer confirmed clear that Mayank has an infection on his toe and hoped to have the fast bowler available during the last stage of the tournament.
“Mayank (Yadav), who everyone was very excited about last year, he was going quite well (coming back from a back injury), and he kicked his toe on the bed. He got an infection in his toe. It’s put his rehab back about a week or two weeks,” Langer had said.
“But he’s up and running. We regularly see videos of him bowling. I saw a video of his yesterday. So, hopefully by the back end of the tournament, Mayank will be up and ready to go for us,” he added.
Apart from Mayank, LSG’s other quicks, Akash Deep and Avesh Khan, are currently in the NCA where they are completing their rehabilitation. Left-armer Mohsin Khan has already been ruled out of the tournament, with Shardul Thakur replacing him in the squad.
Mayank Yadav’s IPL 2024 performance
Mayank played just four matches in IPL 2024 but made a significant impact. He picked up 7 wickets at an exceptional average of 12.14 and an economy rate of 6.98. His ability to bowl at speeds close to 150 kph stands out the most and makes him a unique option.
The 22-year-old also earned his international debut because of his performances in the IPL. He was impressive in the T20I series against Bangladesh last year, where he picked up 4 wickets at an average of 20.75 and an economy rate of 6.91.
