Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) can breathe a sigh of relief as pace bowler Mayank Yadav has started bowling in nets on Monday ahead of the start of the 18th edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL). However, the franchise are waiting with bated breath to get a fitness clearance from the BCCI. The speedster is recovering from a lumbar stress injury at the Center of Excellence in Bengaluru, where he is currently recuperating after getting injured following his international debut in the T20I series against Bangladesh in 2024.
As per reports, Mayank is likely to be unavailable for LSG in the first half of IPL 2025, but the latest development is giving LSG and fans major hopes for his early return. The youngster impressed one and all with his raw pace of more than 150Kmph in his debut IPL season last year. The 22-year-old played four games, bagging seven wickets, and won two player of the match awards. However, his IPL season was cut short by injury as he was later ruled out of the whole season.
ADVERTISEMENT
Loading...
LSG showed faith in the speed gun and retained him for 11 Crore ahead of the IPL 2025 mega auction. With the franchise roping Zaheer Khan as bowling coach & mentor, they hope Mayank is fully fit and makes an impact in the IPL 2025 season.
LSG is not going to rush Mayank Yadav as mentor Zaheer Khan wants the pacer to be 150% fit
Often we have seen pace bowlers being rushed to play matches before even recovering fully from injury. LSG though does not want to take any risks as far as Mayank's fitness is concerned. LSG mentor Zaheer has clearly stated that they would play the 22-year-old pacer only when he is 150% fit.
"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," he had said.
Also Read: Saudi Arabia's $800 Million Investment to Revolutionize Cricket with IPL-Style Tournament!
LSG will kick off their campaign against Delhi Capitals on March 24 in Visakhapatnam, with Rishabh Pant leading the side.
