By Mayank Yadav Resumes Bowling in Nets Ahead of IPL 2025, Boosting Hopes for His Return After Injury Setback.
Mayank Yadav’s Road to Recovery
Pace sensation Mayank Yadav has started bowling in the nets ahead of the much-anticipated Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 season. The young speedster, known for his fiery pace exceeding 150 kmph, is recovering from a lumbar stress injury that sidelined him for months. He has been undergoing rehabilitation at the Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru after sustaining the injury following his India debut in the T20I series against Bangladesh last October.
As Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) prepare for their IPL 2025 campaign, they are closely monitoring Mayank’s progress while awaiting his fitness clearance from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI). The franchise and its fans have been eagerly hoping for his return, especially after he shared a video on Instagram, where he was seen bowling in the nets under the supervision of support staff. While reports suggest that the 22-year-old may miss the first half of IPL 2025, this recent development has rekindled optimism for his early comeback.
Mayank Yadav’s Meteoric Rise and Injury Setback
Mayank Yadav took the cricketing world by storm in his debut IPL season last year. Despite playing only four matches, he left an indelible mark by claiming seven wickets, showcasing sheer pace and accuracy. His remarkable performances earned him two consecutive Player of the Match accolades, a rare feat for a debutant. His ability to consistently bowl at speeds exceeding 150 kmph made him a valuable asset for LSG and one of the most exciting young pacers in Indian cricket.
His performances in IPL 2024 earned him a spot in the Indian T20I squad, and he made his international debut against Bangladesh. He impressed in the three-match series, picking up four wickets. However, his promising run was cut short by a stress-related injury in his lower back, which forced him to undergo a prolonged rehabilitation process. The BCCI has not officially disclosed the details of his injury, but it is believed to be a stress-related issue on the left side of his lower back.
Recognizing his immense potential, LSG retained Mayank for a whopping Rs 11 crore ahead of the 2025 mega auction. This decision came after his breakout season, where he was initially picked for just Rs 20 lakh as an uncapped fast bowler. His retention signified the franchise’s trust in his abilities and their commitment to nurturing his talent despite his injury setback.
Future Prospects and LSG’s IPL 2025 Campaign
As IPL 2025 approaches, Mayank Yadav’s fitness remains a major talking point for LSG. The franchise is working closely with the BCCI’s medical team to ensure his complete recovery before making a return to competitive cricket. Former India fast bowler Zaheer Khan, now LSG’s team director, has emphasized that Mayank will only return once he is fully fit, stating, “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.”
While Mayank’s availability for the first half of the season remains uncertain, LSG will have to rely on their other pace options in the early matches. The team will kick off their campaign against Delhi Capitals on March 24 in Visakhapatnam, with Rishabh Pant leading the opposition. LSG will hope to have their young speedster back in action as soon as possible to bolster their bowling attack in the latter stages of the tournament.
Mayank Yadav’s return to full fitness will be crucial not just for LSG but also for Indian cricket, as the team looks to groom fast-bowling talents for the future. His ability to consistently clock speeds above 150 kmph makes him a rare commodity in Indian cricket, and a successful comeback could pave the way for a long and promising career at both domestic and international levels. For now, all eyes remain on his rehabilitation and the possibility of seeing him back in action in IPL 2025.
