IPL 2025: Mayank Yadav Returns to LSG, Set for Fitness Test Ahead of RR Clash
In a significant boost for Lucknow Super Giants (LSG), young pace prodigy Mayank Yadav has rejoined the squad after a prolonged rehabilitation stint at the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) Centre of Excellence (CoE) in Bengaluru. The 22-year-old speedster arrived at the LSG camp on Tuesday night and is slated to undergo a rigorous fitness assessment before the team’s upcoming away fixture against Rajasthan Royals (RR) on Saturday in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025.
Mayank, known for consistently breaching the 150 kmph mark, last played a competitive match in October 2024 during a T20I against Bangladesh in Hyderabad. Since then, he has been sidelined due to a recurring back injury, compounded by a toe injury sustained during his recovery phase at the CoE. Although the BCCI medical team has given him the green light, LSG’s head physiotherapist, Ashish Kaushik, will conduct a thorough evaluation to ensure the bowler is match-ready.
The Delhi-born pacer’s injury history raises concerns for the franchise, with Mayank having suffered as many as five stress fractures over the past two years. His participation in the IPL 2024 season was limited to just four matches before a side strain forced him out for the remainder of the tournament. Given this backdrop, LSG management is expected to tread cautiously with their prized asset, ensuring he is not rushed back into action prematurely.
LSG, currently positioned fifth on the IPL 2025 points table with four wins from seven games, have grappled with multiple injury setbacks this season. Key pacers like Mohsin Khan were ruled out before the tournament, while Akash Deep and Avesh Khan joined the squad late. In response, the team drafted in veteran seamer Shardul Thakur as a replacement, who has since taken up the mantle of leading the pace attack. Mayank’s potential return could provide a much-needed edge to LSG’s bowling unit, especially against a formidable RR side known for its batting prowess.
“We are thrilled to have Mayank back with us. His raw pace and ability to unsettle batters are invaluable, but his health remains our top priority,” an LSG team official stated. If cleared, Mayank could form a lethal partnership with Thakur, bolstering the team’s prospects in the high-stakes encounter at the Sawai Mansingh Stadium in Jaipur.
As the IPL 2025 season progresses, all eyes will be on this young tearaway to see if he can overcome his injury woes and deliver match-winning performances for LSG. With playoff aspirations on the line, his comeback could be the turning point for the franchise in their quest for the coveted title.