IPL 2026: LSG Speedster Mayank Yadav Says, ‘I Just Want to Be Available for All Games’

Young pace sensation Mayank Yadav has emerged from a grueling rehabilitation period with renewed confidence, declaring himself “100 percent ready” for IPL 2026 after undergoing back surgery. The 23-year-old Lucknow Super Giants pacer, who burst onto the cricket scene as a sensation in 2024 before injuries derailed his momentum, has spent the past 10-12 months recovering at the National Cricket Academy (NCA) Centre of Excellence. In an exclusive interview ahead of the IPL 2026 season, Mayank emphasized his singular focus: maintaining availability for every game while pursuing his ultimate goal of winning the IPL trophy with LSG.

Mayank’s Injury Journey and Recovery

Mayank suffered a stress fracture in his back that required surgical intervention after playing just two IPL matches in 2025. The injury represented a significant setback for a player who had arrived on the international stage with tremendous hype following his explosive debut in 2024. His recovery has been comprehensive, spanning not just physical rehabilitation but also significant mental conditioning.

The Road to Full Recovery

Mayank underwent comprehensive rehabilitation at the NCA Centre of Excellence, working intensively with physios, trainers, and specialists over an 8-9 month period. The process demanded significant mental resilience, particularly as it was his first major surgery. He revealed that initial restrictions gradually eased as his condition improved, allowing progressive return to full bowling action.

“The work I’ve put in over the last 8-9 months during rehab has been significant,” Mayank stated. “It takes a lot of effort, especially since this was my first major surgery, so it was a very different situation for me. There were a lot of restrictions at the start, but once things began to improve, I was able to do what I wanted.“

Bowling at 150+ mph: The Physical and Mental Challenge

Maintaining bowling speeds of 155+ km/h places extraordinary stress on a fast bowler’s body. Mayank emphasized that two factors enable such speeds: natural ability and relentless hard work. He revealed the significant mental aspect of pace bowling, noting that self-motivation and mental preparation are crucial for handling the physical impact accumulated during matches and training.

“A day before a match or even a practice session, I would tell myself that I have to bowl fast the next day,” Mayank explained. “Mental preparation is very important to handle that impact on the body.”

Bharat Arun’s Coaching Influence

Mayank credits bowling coach Bharat Arun’s arrival at LSG as instrumental in his rehabilitation and development. Arun’s extensive experience with diverse fast bowlers at different pace levels provides invaluable guidance for a young talent bowling at extreme speeds.

“He has worked with many different types of fast bowlers in our country. He understands how to develop a bowler who can bowl at 150 and one who operates around 140, so he brings a lot of experience. It’s helping me a lot in the camp right now,” Mayank said about Arun’s influence.

LSG’s Trust and Support System

Lucknow Super Giants’ ownership and management, particularly owner Sanjiv Goenka, have demonstrated remarkable faith in Mayank throughout his injury ordeal. Goenka’s personal involvement in checking on Mayank’s progress, even during rehabilitation periods, exemplifies the franchise’s commitment to his recovery.

“The owner has helped me a lot. Even during rehab, he would message me to check how things were going, how my body was feeling. So, I think the franchise has played a huge role, and the amount of trust they’ve shown in me is remarkable,” Mayank acknowledged.

Discovery and Rise to Prominence

Mayank’s journey to professional cricket began during a Vijay Hazare Trophy match where Delhi and Uttar Pradesh practiced together at the Mohali stadium. Scout Vijay Dahiya identified his potential during this session, setting in motion his trajectory toward becoming one of Indian cricket’s most promising pace talents.

His quick rise culminated in three T20 international appearances for India in October 2024, establishing him as a national prospect despite having played only six IPL matches at that point.

Post-Surgery Pace Maintenance

Despite undergoing back surgery, Mayank has maintained his explosive pace capabilities. He confirmed that post-surgical training has enabled him to bowl at full intensity without compromise.

“I was a bit concerned about how my bowling would be post surgery, but it’s back on track,” Mayank stated confidently. “The physios and the trainers at the CoE did a brilliant job, and I’m able to bowl at 100 percent after the surgery.”

Season Targets and Future Aspirations

Mayank’s goals for IPL 2026 are ambitious yet grounded. His primary objective is straightforward: availability for all games. Beyond individual statistics, he emphasizes the team’s collective ambition to win the IPL trophy—something LSG has never achieved in their franchisehistory.

“I just want to be available for all the games this season. And one more thing – I want to win the trophy,” Mayank declared with conviction about his dual focus on personal consistency and team success.

Expert Outlook

While cricket experts acknowledge questions about whether Mayank will immediately recapture his initial explosive form, the young pacer’s youth (23 years old) and determined attitude provide genuine optimism. His 8-9 months of focused rehabilitation, combined with elite-level coaching under Bharat Arun and LSG’s comprehensive support system, position him well for a meaningful comeback season.

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