Lucknow Super Giants' (LSG) pace sensation Mayank Yadav has resumed bowling in the nets as he continues his recovery from a lumbar stress injury.
While the franchise awaits fitness clearance from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), this development has given hope to fans anticipating his return for the 2025 Indian Premier League (IPL) season.
The 22-year-old speedster has been undergoing rehabilitation at the Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru since sustaining the injury during India’s T20I series against Bangladesh last October. On Monday, Mayank shared a video on his Instagram story, showcasing him bowling under the supervision of support staff.
According to reports, Mayank is likely to miss the first half of IPL 2025, but his recent progress suggests he could make an earlier-than-expected return. LSG retained the young pacer for Rs 11 crore ahead of the mega auction after his breakthrough performance in IPL 2024, where he initially joined the team for just Rs 20 lakh as an uncapped fast bowler.
Mayank burst onto the scene in his debut IPL season last year, consistently clocking speeds over 150 kmph. He played only four matches but made an instant impact, picking up seven wickets and earning two consecutive Player of the Match awards before being sidelined by injury. His impressive form earned him a place in India’s T20I squad against Bangladesh, where he claimed four wickets in three matches before his back issue emerged.
The BCCI has not officially disclosed the specifics of his injury, but it is believed to be a stress-related condition in the lower left side of his back. LSG’s team director and former India pacer Zaheer Khan had earlier stated that the franchise was working closely with the BCCI’s medical team to manage Mayank’s recovery. However, he stressed that the bowler would only return to action once he was in peak physical condition.
Read more ...
March 14, 2025
