Mayank Yadav's Return Boosts Lucknow Super Giants Ahead of IPL 2025

Mayank Yadav's Impressive Comeback

Lucknow (Uttar Pradesh) [India], April 5: Justin Langer, the head coach of Lucknow Super Giants, announced that fast bowler Mayank Yadav is making significant strides in his recovery, currently bowling at approximately 90 to 95 percent capacity at the BCCI's Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru.

This development is a significant advantage for LSG, who have faced challenges in their pace attack but managed to secure two victories in their first four matches of the IPL 2025 season.

In a thrilling encounter on Friday night, LSG fought hard to clinch a win against the Mumbai Indians, emerging victorious by a narrow margin of 12 runs, further solidifying their dominance over the five-time champions.

Post-match, Langer provided insights into Mayank's anticipated return, who has been out of action since suffering a lumbar stress injury during India's T20I series against Bangladesh last October.

“I know he’s putting in a lot of effort at the NCA, and I saw footage of him bowling recently, showing he’s at about 90 to 95 percent. It’s fantastic for Indian cricket and the IPL. Last year, he made a significant impact, and I don’t think any bowler in India has bowled faster than Mayank Yadav,” Langer stated during the press conference, as reported by a Media Channel.

“He’s eager to get back on the field. He bowled impressively in Bangalore at the NCA. With a couple more sessions, we hope to see him back soon. The NCA has done an excellent job in getting players like Avesh Khan and Akash Deep back into action, and we appreciate their efforts,” he added.

At the start of this IPL season, LSG's thin pace attack was a major concern, with injuries sidelining key players like Mohsin Khan, Mayank, Avesh, and Akash Deep.

To address this, LSG brought in Shardul Thakur as a replacement for Mohsin before the tournament began. Since then, Avesh and Akash have gradually returned to the squad, enhancing Lucknow's bowling strength.

Shardul, who went unsold in the mega auction, has impressed with his effective bowling, taking seven wickets in four matches and playing a crucial role in LSG's victories.

During a critical moment against MI, Shardul executed a game-changing over, allowing only seven runs in the penultimate over, a remarkable achievement given MI's need for 29 runs in the final two overs. Akash, who rejoined LSG's bowling lineup against MI, clocked speeds over 140 kph and finished with figures of 1/46. Meanwhile, Avesh has participated in three matches, taking two wickets but has been somewhat expensive.