Star Pacer Mayank Yadav to Miss Initial Phase Due to Injury
New Delhi, March 11: Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) suffered a significant blow ahead of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 as their star pacer Mayank Yadav has been ruled out of the first phase of the tournament due to a lumbar stress injury (lower back issue).
According to ESPN Cricinfo, the 22-year-old speedster is currently undergoing rehabilitation at the BCCI’s Center of Excellence in Bengaluru, where he has resumed bowling practice. Mayank sustained the injury in October 2024 during India’s T20 series against Bangladesh and has been out of action ever since.
While the BCCI has not provided a specific timeline for his return, reports indicate that if he meets all fitness benchmarks and increases his bowling workload, he could be available for the second phase of IPL 2025.
LSG’s ₹11 Crore Investment Faces Early Setback
Mayank Yadav’s absence is a big blow for Lucknow Super Giants, who had retained him for ₹11 crore ahead of the IPL 2025 auction. This marked a stunning financial rise for the young pacer, who was purchased for just ₹20 lakh in IPL 2024 as an uncapped fast bowler.
His record-breaking pace, consistently touching 150 km/h, had made him one of the most exciting emerging talents in the league. In his debut IPL season, Mayank won back-to-back Player of the Match awards in his first two matches, leading to his selection in India’s elite fast-bowling pool.
However, injuries have repeatedly disrupted his career, limiting him to just four IPL matches in 2024 before he suffered a side strain that forced him out of the tournament. His recovery was further delayed when he sustained another injury during rehabilitation, eventually making a comeback in the Bangladesh T20 series, only to get injured again.
BCCI and LSG Carefully Monitoring His Recovery
Although BCCI has yet to issue an official statement, sources suggest that Mayank’s latest injury involves a stress fracture in the lower left side of his back.
LSG’s team director Zaheer Khan, a former India fast bowler, had earlier assured that Mayank’s return would be handled with extreme caution in collaboration with the BCCI’s medical team.
“We want Mayank to return to the field as soon as possible, but only when he is fully fit. Not just 100%, but 150% fit,” Zaheer stated in February.
The franchise is prioritizing his long-term fitness, ensuring he doesn’t rush back prematurely and risk further injury.
LSG’s IPL 2025 Campaign Kicks Off Without Mayank
The Lucknow Super Giants will play their opening match on March 24 against the Delhi Capitals in Visakhapatnam. Delhi will be led by Rishabh Pant, who himself is making a highly anticipated return after a lengthy injury layoff.
Without Mayank, LSG will have to rely on their pace arsenal, which includes Mark Wood, Naveen-ul-Haq, and Avesh Khan, to step up in his absence.
Bhupendra Singh Chundawat is a seasoned technology journalist with over 22 years of experience in the media industry. He specializes in covering the global technology landscape, with a deep focus on manufacturing trends and the geopolitical impact on tech companies. Currently serving as the Editor at Udaipur Kiran, his insights are shaped by decades of hands-on reporting and editorial leadership in the fast-evolving world of technology.
