In a significant boost for the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG), pace sensation Mayank Yadav is set to make his much-anticipated return to the squad for the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025. The 22-year-old fast bowler, who has been sidelined due to a lumbar stress injury, has received clearance from the Board of Control for Cricket in India’s (BCCI) Centre of Excellence (CoE) and is expected to join the team on Tuesday, April 15, 2025.
Yadav, retained for a whopping INR 11 crores despite only playing four games last season, has been recovering at the National Cricket Academy (NCA) in Bengaluru since October 2024. His absence was felt keenly by the LSG, who began the season without several key bowlers, including Avesh Khan and Akash Deep, both of whom have since returned to action. LSG head coach Justin Langer had previously expressed optimism about Yadav's recovery, noting that he had seen video footage of the young pacer bowling at around 90 to 95% of his capacity.
“He’s working very hard at the NCA, and I saw some video of him bowling yesterday — he was bowling at about 90 to 95%. So, Mayank’s up and running, which is great for Indian cricket. For the 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. And that’s why there’s so much talk about him,” Langer stated.
Mayank Yadav's return is especially timely as LSG prepares to face the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) at the Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ekana Cricket Stadium in Lucknow on April 12, 2025. Currently, LSG sits fourth in the IPL 2025 points table with four wins and two losses from six matches. A victory against CSK, a five-time champion, could propel them to the top of the standings.
Despite the early-season injury setbacks, LSG has displayed resilience and depth in their bowling attack. The team managed to secure wins over formidable opponents, including a recent victory against the Mumbai Indians (MI) and the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR). Langer’s squad has shown that they can adapt and find different match-winners even without their star pacers.
“We’ve had a few injuries, but the boys have stepped up. We’ve seen different players taking on match-winning roles, which is promising for the rest of the season,” Langer added.
Mayank's journey back to fitness has been closely monitored, especially after he sustained a toe injury due to an unfortunate incident where he accidentally kicked his bed. This injury delayed his anticipated return, but sources indicate that he is now “fighting fit” and eager to contribute to the team's success.
Last season, Yadav made headlines with his remarkable ability to consistently bowl over 150 km/h, earning back-to-back Player of the Match awards in his first two outings for LSG. Unfortunately, an injury in his third game sidelined him for the remainder of the tournament, but the franchise has high hopes for his comeback.
In addition to Yadav's return, LSG has welcomed back Avesh Khan and Akash Deep, who have played significant roles in the team's recent successes. Shardul Thakur, who replaced the injured Mohsin Khan, has also emerged as a key player, ranking second on the top wicket-takers' list this season.
As LSG gears up for their next match against CSK, the return of Mayank Yadav will not only bolster their pace attack but also boost the morale of the team. With the IPL 2025 season still in its early stages, every match becomes crucial as teams vie for a spot in the playoffs.
LSG's fans are eagerly anticipating Yadav's return and hoping that he can replicate the form that made him a standout performer last season. The excitement surrounding his comeback is palpable, and the franchise is optimistic about their chances moving forward.
As the IPL 2025 unfolds, all eyes will be on Mayank Yadav to see how he adapts to the rigors of competitive cricket after his recovery. Will he live up to the expectations and help lead LSG to victory against their rivals? Only time will tell, but one thing is certain: his presence on the field will be a game-changer for the Super Giants.
In conclusion, the Lucknow Super Giants are poised for a thrilling encounter against the Chennai Super Kings, and with Mayank Yadav back in the mix, fans are hopeful for a memorable performance. The IPL 2025 continues to deliver excitement, and the stakes are higher than ever as teams battle for supremacy.
