The Indian Premier League (IPL) is set to kick off its 18th edition on March 22, and all teams are gearing up for the action-packed tournament. However, the Lucknow Super Giants have suffered a significant setback ahead of the season. Young bowler Mayank Yadav is still recovering from an injury and is likely to miss the first half of the IPL 2025. The good news is that he might be back in action for the second half of the tournament.
Mayank Yadav has been making waves with his lightning-fast bowling, leaving even the most seasoned batsmen struggling to keep up. His impressive performance earned him a retention deal worth ₹11 crores from the Lucknow Super Giants before the auction, a substantial increase from the ₹20 lakhs he was picked up for in the previous season. His ability to trouble top-notch batsmen has been a significant factor in the team’s decision to invest in him.
Mayank Yadav’s injury woes began after his international debut against Bangladesh in October last year, when he suffered a lower back injury. Although he has recently resumed bowling at the Center of Excellence in Bengaluru, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has not set a specific return date for him. According to an ESPN report, if Mayank meets the fitness standards and gradually increases his workload, he might be able to join the tournament in the second half.
In the IPL 2024, Mayank Yadav played four matches, taking seven wickets with an economy rate of approximately 7 (6.99). He made headlines last year for his blistering pace, including delivering the fastest ball of the IPL 2024 (156.7 km/h) against the Royal Challengers Bangalore. The Lucknow Super Giants will begin their IPL 2025 campaign against the Delhi Capitals on March 24, with Rishabh Pant, who was bought for ₹27 crores in the auction, leading the team as captain.
As the IPL 2025 season approaches, fans are eagerly awaiting the return of Mayank Yadav to the pitch. With his incredible speed and skill, he is sure to make an impact when he finally takes the field. The question on everyone’s mind is: will he be able to regain his form and help the Lucknow Super Giants make a strong push for the title? Only time will tell, but one thing is certain – Mayank Yadav’s return will be eagerly anticipated by cricket enthusiasts everywhere.