Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) fast bowler, Mayank Yadav, is set to miss the first half of IPL 2025 due to a back injury. Reports confirm that the 24-year-old pacer is recovering from a lumbar stress injury. He has recently resumed bowling at the Board of Control for Cricket in India’s (BCCI) Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru, where he has been undergoing rehabilitation after sustaining the injury following his debut for India in the T20I series against Bangladesh last October.
There is no specific date set for Mayank’s return yet, but if he meets all fitness parameters and is able to increase his bowling workload, there is a possibility that he could return for the latter half of the IPL season.
The absence of Mayank during the early stages of the tournament is a blow for LSG, who had retained him for INR 11 crore (approximately $1.31 million) ahead of the mega auction. This marked a significant rise in his valuation, having been purchased for just INR 20 lakh as an uncapped fast bowler before the 2024 season.
Mayank’s impressive pace, regularly crossing speeds of 150 kph, played a key role in him earning such a large salary. His rapid deliveries earned him back-to-back Player of the Match awards in his first two IPL appearances. His potential caught the attention of national selectors, who included him in the pool of quick bowlers eligible for fast-bowling contracts.
Mayank’s involvement in IPL 2024 was limited to just four matches due to a persistent side strain, which kept him out of action for the remainder of the season. During his rehabilitation, he sustained a separate injury, delaying his return. He eventually made his comeback in the Bangladesh T20Is, but unfortunately suffered another injury, forcing him back into rehab. While the BCCI has not officially disclosed details of the injury, it is believed to be a stress-related issue on the left-hand side of his lower back.
In February, former India fast bowler and LSG’s team director, Zaheer Khan, mentioned that the franchise was working closely with the BCCI’s medical team to ensure Mayank’s recovery is managed effectively.
LSG’s opening match of the 2025 season is scheduled against Delhi Capitals on March 24 in Visakhapatnam, where the team will play under new captain Rishabh Pant.