The Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) are facing a challenging start to the 2025 Indian Premier League (IPL) season as they will play their opening match against the Delhi Capitals (DC) on March 24, 2025, without their first-choice pace bowlers. The team had high hopes for a successful season, particularly after retaining key players, but injuries have severely depleted their pace attack.
Among the injured is Mayank Yadav, who was the standout pace sensation from the previous season. After making his international debut against Bangladesh last year, expectations for him were sky-high. However, he has been ruled out for the opening match due to a toe injury. LSG head coach Justin Langer confirmed that Mayank’s injury has also caused an infection, delaying his recovery by one to two weeks, but he remains hopeful that the young fast bowler will be fit by the end of the tournament.
LSG has had to call upon young pacer Prince Yadav as a last-minute replacement for Mayank. Prince showcased his talent in the recent Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, where he was the top wicket-taker for Delhi. However, he lacks the blistering speed of Mayank, who was clocked at 150 km/h last season and earned two Player of the Match awards during his remarkable campaign.
In addition to Mayank, the team will also miss left-arm pacer Mohsin Khan, who has been ruled out of the entire tournament due to a tear in his anterior cruciate ligament. Avesh Khan and Akash Deep, other key fast bowlers, are dealing with their own injuries and are expected to miss at least the first three matches of the season. This situation raises concerns for the depth and resilience of the team’s bowling unit, which has already been further strained due to injuries.
According to head coach Justin Langer, “Unfortunately, I think Mohsin sustained a small calf injury in his rehab. So, knowing that we had four guys out, we had to make that tough call on Mohsin.” Langer expressed hope regarding Avesh’s condition, noting that he was working towards regaining fitness in time for the upcoming matches. “I believe he will pass his right to play tomorrow morning through the NCA. So, if that's the case, then he'll be back sooner rather than later,” Langer added.
With the loss of prominent players, LSG has also brought in Shardul Thakur to replace Mohsin Khan for Rs. 4.10 crore. Despite his experience, Thakur’s addition still highlights the team's struggles to field a strong pace attack for their first game. In a strategic decision, Delhi pace bowler Digvesh Rathi has been included in the starting XI against the Capitals, stepping in for Avesh.
The injury woes come as a stark reminder of the ongoing challenges faced by LSG. After finishing seventh in the previous season with an equal record of seven wins and seven losses, the team has already navigated a slew of personnel changes. Notably, former captain KL Rahul left to join DC for INR 14 crore, reflecting a significant shake-up within the squad.
Overall, LSG seems to be at a turning point, battling not only with injuries but also with establishing a cohesive team dynamic amidst critical roster changes. They will take the field against DC under immense pressure and with a lineup that lacks the experience and skill depth that might have been envisioned at the season's start.
As the IPL progresses, fans and analysts alike will be keeping a close eye on how the Super Giants cope with their early season adversity and whether the past seasons' struggles will continue or if there's still hope for a turnaround.
