Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) will be without their express pace sensation Mayank Yadav for the initial phase of IPL 2025. The young fast bowler is recovering from a lumbar stress injury and is currently rehabilitating at the BCCI’s Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru.

His return date remains uncertain, but if he successfully clears fitness tests and increases his bowling workload, he could feature in the latter half of the tournament.

A Major Blow for LSG

Mayank’s absence is a significant setback for LSG, who had retained him for INR 11 crore ($1.31 million approx.) ahead of the mega auction. The franchise had placed immense faith in his ability, given his meteoric rise in IPL 2024.

Mayank Yadav of Lucknow Super Giants during match 15 of the Indian Premier League season 17 (IPL 2024) between Royal Challengers Bangalore and Lucknow Super Giants held at the M.Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bengaluru on the 2nd April 2024.Photo by Arjun Singh / Sportzpics for IPL

Initially purchased for INR 20 lakh as an uncapped pacer, his rapid ascent was fueled by his raw pace, consistently clocking speeds above 150 kph. His fiery performances earned him back-to-back Player-of-the-Match awards in his first two IPL outings, making him one of the most sought-after young bowlers.

Injury Woes and Prolonged Recovery

Mayank’s struggles with injuries began during IPL 2024 when he played only four matches before a side strain sidelined him. While undergoing rehabilitation, he suffered another injury, which delayed his return. He eventually made a comeback for India’s T20I series against Bangladesh in October but sustained another setback that forced him into another extended recovery period.

The BCCI has not officially disclosed specifics about his injury, but sources suggest it is a stress-related lower back issue on the left-hand side. This latest setback has kept him out of competitive action for months, delaying his much-anticipated return to top-level cricket.

LSG’s Management Approach

LSG’s new team director, Zaheer Khan, emphasized the importance of ensuring Mayank’s complete fitness before allowing him to resume playing. “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,” Zaheer stated.

The franchise has been coordinating closely with the BCCI’s medical team to monitor his progress. Given his potential as a future Indian pace spearhead, the management is cautious about rushing his return and risking further complications.

Road to Recovery and Possible Return

Mayank has recently resumed bowling as part of his rehabilitation. However, the BCCI has not set a fixed timeline for his comeback, as his fitness progression will determine when he can return to competitive cricket.

If his rehabilitation goes smoothly and he meets all fitness parameters, he could be available for the latter half of IPL 2025, providing LSG with a much-needed boost.

LSG’s Season Opener Without Mayank

LSG will begin their IPL 2025 campaign against Delhi Capitals on March 24 in Visakhapatnam. With a new captain in Rishabh Pant leading the opposition, the franchise will have to adapt without their ace speedster for at least the first phase of the tournament.

As LSG strategizes for the opening matches, the team management will need to rely on other fast bowlers to compensate for Mayank’s absence. His eventual return, if fully fit, could provide the team with an edge in the latter stages of the competition.