Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) fast bowler Mayank Yadav will miss the first half of IPL 2025 due to a lumbar stress injury, which he is currently recovering from at the BCCI’s Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru. After his India T20I debut against Bangladesh last October, he has faced multiple injuries and limited play, appearing in only four matches during IPL 2024. His return date remains unclear, but if he meets the required fitness standards, he may participate in the tournament’s latter half. LSG hopes for his complete recovery before his return, as emphasized by team director Zaheer Khan.
There is currently no specific date announced by the BCCI for Mayank’s return, but if he meets all the fitness criteria and successfully increases his bowling workload, he may be able to participate in the latter half of the IPL.
Mayank’s absence during the tournament’s initial phase is a blow for LSG, who retained him for INR 11 crore (approximately $1.31 million) before the mega auction. This represented a significant financial jump for Mayank, who was acquired for INR 20 lakh as an uncapped fast bowler prior to the 2024 season.
The substantial salary Mayank commands is primarily attributed to his ability to consistently bowl at speeds exceeding 150 kph, which earned him Player-of-the-Match awards in his first two IPL games. Recognizing his potential, national selectors have included Mayank in the pool of fast bowlers with contracts.
Mayank’s participation in IPL 2024 was limited to only four matches due to a persistent side strain he experienced in his last two games. While undergoing rehabilitation, he sustained a different injury that postponed his comeback, though he eventually played in the Bangladesh T20Is. Unfortunately, he incurred another injury shortly thereafter that required him to return to rehab. Although the BCCI has not officially disclosed the specifics of Mayank’s injury, it is understood that he is dealing with a stress-related issue in the left side of his lower back.
In February, former India fast bowler Zaheer Khan, who has taken on the role of team director for LSG, stated that the franchise is collaborating closely with the BCCI’s medical team to establish a recovery plan for Mayank. However, Zaheer emphasized that they would prefer to have Mayank return only when he is fully fit. “While we are eager to see him [play in IPL 2025], we want him to be 150% fit, not just 100%, so we will do everything possible to ensure that,” he expressed.
LSG is scheduled to kick off their season against Delhi Capitals on March 24 in Visakhapatnam, under the leadership of new captain Rishabh Pant.