LSG's Mayank Yadav to miss 1st half of IPL 2025
What's the story
Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) pacer Mayank Yadav will miss the first half of IPL 2025 due to a lumbar stress injury, as per ESPNcricinfo.
The young pacer, who made his India debut in the T20I series against Bangladesh last October, has resumed bowling at BCCI's Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru as part of his rehabilitation process.
His return date remains uncertain, but there's hope for him to play the latter half of IPL 2025.
Financial leap
LSG's significant investment in Mayank Yadav
LSG had earlier retained Mayank for ₹11 crore before the mega auction, a huge jump from his previous price of ₹20 lakh before the 2024 season.
The huge amount was mainly because of his ability to bowl consistently at breakneck speeds of over 150kph.
In fact, he bagged Player-of-the-Match awards in his first two IPL matches and was later added by national selectors to the pool of quicks given fast-bowling contracts.
Injury setbacks
Mayank Yadav's injury history and rehabilitation journey
Mayank's IPL 2024 season was cut short due to a lingering side strain. However, he did manage to play in the Bangladesh T20Is after his rehabilitation.
Sadly, another injury sent him back to rehab shortly after his return.
Although BCCI has not officially disclosed details about Mayank's injury, it is understood that he has a stress-related issue in his lower back on the left-hand side.
Cautious approach
LSG's team director emphasizes importance of Mayank's full recovery
Zaheer Khan, the new team director for LSG, has stressed on Mayank's full recovery before he returns to play.
"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," Zaheer had said in February.
This cautious approach highlights the franchise's commitment to getting their star pacer fully fit before his return.