New Delhi, March 11 (HS): Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) fast bowler Mayank Yadav has been ruled out of the first phase of IPL 2025.
According to ESPN Cricinfo, Mayank is currently recovering from a lumbar stress injury (back injury) and has resumed bowling practice at the BCCI’s Center of Excellence in Bengaluru. He suffered the injury after the T20 series against Bangladesh last October and has been undergoing rehabilitation since then.
The BCCI has not yet set a specific date for his return. However, if he meets all fitness standards and can increase his bowling workload, he may play in the second phase of the IPL.
Mayank’s absence is a significant blow for the Lucknow Super Giants, who retained him for ₹11 crore during the IPL 2025 auction. This was a major financial leap for Mayank, who was bought for just ₹20 lakh as an uncapped fast bowler in IPL 2024.
The primary reason for Mayank’s high price is his ability to bowl at high speeds. He consistently bowls at 150 km/h, which earned him the Player of the Match titles in his first two IPL matches. His performance led to his inclusion in the special pool of fast bowlers for the national selectors.
Mayank’s IPL 2024 season was also marred by injuries, where he could only play four matches. He had to miss the last two matches due to a side strain injury. During rehabilitation, he sustained another new injury, delaying his return. However, he eventually played in the T20 series against Bangladesh, but was again injured and had to return for rehabilitation.
The BCCI has not officially commented on Mayank’s current injury, but it is believed that he has a stress injury in the lower part of his back (left side).
In February, former Indian fast bowler Zaheer Khan, who is now the team director for Lucknow, stated that the franchise is working with the BCCI’s medical team to prepare a roadmap for Mayank’s return. However, Zaheer also clarified that they would want to see Mayank 150% fit before allowing him to return to the field.
He said, We want to see Mayank playing as soon as possible, but we will only play him when he is fully fit.
Lucknow Super Giants will play their first match against Delhi Capitals on March 24 in Visakhapatnam. This season, Delhi will be captained by Rishabh Pant, who is also making a comeback after a long time.
Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar
