Mayank Yadav Nears Return: LSG Coach Langer Optimistic About Pacer’s Recovery
Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) are eagerly anticipating the return of their star fast bowler, Mayank Yadav, who is nearing full fitness after recovering from back and toe injuries. Head Coach Justin Langer expressed optimism about Yadav’s progress, revealing that the pacer is bowling at approximately 90-95% intensity at the BCCI’s National Cricket Academy (NCA) in Bengaluru.
Langer, speaking after LSG’s thrilling victory over the Mumbai Indians, shared his excitement after viewing recent footage of Yadav’s bowling practice. “I saw some video of him bowling yesterday and he was bowling at about 90 to 95%,” Langer stated. “Mayank’s up and running, which is really great for Indian cricket, for IPL. We saw the impact he had last year. I don’t think there’s been a bowler in India who’s bowled faster than Mayank Yadav. That’s why there’s so much talk about him.” While no firm date has been set for Yadav’s return to the playing XI, his progress is a significant boost for both LSG and the Indian cricket landscape.
Yadav’s absence has been keenly felt by LSG, who began IPL 2025 with a depleted bowling attack. Several key bowlers, including Mohsin Khan, Avesh Khan, and Akash Deep, were sidelined with injuries. However, the NCA has played a crucial role in rehabilitating these players, with both Avesh Khan and Akash Deep having already returned to action. “NCA, to their credit, have obviously done a very good job because they’ve got Avesh Khan back for us, they’ve got our Akash Deep back for us. So we really appreciate the work they’re doing to get the boys back playing and now hopefully Mayank as well,” Langer acknowledged.
Earlier in the season, Langer had hoped for Yadav’s return during the latter stages of the tournament, but a toe infection, sustained after stubbing his toe against a bed, further delayed his recovery. Now, with his fitness steadily improving, the LSG camp is hopeful for his imminent return.
In the meantime, LSG has relied on other bowlers to step up. Avesh Khan, despite proving expensive in his three appearances, has provided experience. Akash Deep, returning from a back injury, featured in the match against Mumbai, claiming one wicket for 46 runs. Shardul Thakur has been a crucial addition to the squad, filling the void left by Mohsin Khan’s injury. Thakur’s seven wickets in four matches, including a pivotal 19th over against Mumbai where he conceded just seven runs, have been instrumental in LSG’s victories.
The return of key bowlers like Avesh Khan and Akash Deep, coupled with Mayank Yadav’s positive progress, will bolster LSG’s bowling attack significantly. With the team aiming to build on their early successes, Yadav’s presence will be a welcome addition to their campaign.
Official match statistics highlight Shardul Thakur’s impact, while the performances of Avesh Khan and Akash Deep upon their return from injury provide further context to the team’s bowling dynamics. The tactical analysis emphasizes LSG’s reliance on other bowlers in Yadav’s absence and the importance of his return for the team’s future prospects.
