IPL 2025: Mayank Yadav injury set to be a big setback for Lucknow Super Giants

Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) fast bowler Mayank Yadav will miss the first half of Indian Premier League (IPL 2025) as he continues his recovery from a lumbar stress injury. The 24-year-old cricketer sustained the injury after making his India debut during the T20I series against Bangladesh last October. Since then, Yadav has been undergoing rehabilitation at the BCCI's Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru, where he has just resumed bowling. The injury came as a setback to Yadav’s promising career, especially after his breakthrough with the Indian team. However, he has shown resilience and commitment to his recovery process, with reports suggesting that he is gradually getting back to full fitness. 

Mayank Yadav to miss first half of the IPL 2025 season

Despite this positive news, Yadav’s absence from the early stages of the IPL 2025 season will be a blow to LSG, as they were counting on his pace and skill in the fast bowling department. The injury has also delayed his much-anticipated return to competitive cricket, but the focus remains on his rehabilitation process. Once he is fully fit, Yadav will be eager to make his mark and contribute to his team's success in the second half of the season. Until then, LSG will be hoping that their squad depth can fill the void left by the young pacer.

The BCCI has not yet set a firm date for Mayank Yadav’s return, but if he meets all fitness parameters and increases his bowling workload, he could be available for the latter half of IPL 2025. Mayank’s unavailability for the first half of the tournament is a significant setback for Lucknow Super Giants. The team had retained him for INR 11 crore (approximately $1.31 million) ahead of the IPL 2025 mega auction. This marked an astronomical leap in Mayank's career, as he had been bought for just INR 20 lakh ahead of the 2024 season as an uncapped fast bowler.

LSG will miss his pace and skills in the early part of the season, but the franchise will be hoping that he recovers fully in time for the latter stages of the tournament. Mayank’s rise has been impressive, and his presence in the second half could play a crucial role in LSG's bid for success. Until then, the team will rely on their other resources to fill the void left by the young pacer’s absence.

Mayank Yadav's substantial INR 11 crore salary in IPL 2025 was a reflection of his ability to bowl at lightning-fast speeds, consistently surpassing 150 kph. This pace earned him back-to-back Player-of-the-Match awards in his first two IPL appearances. His impressive performances caught the eye of the national selectors, who recognized his potential and added him to the pool of fast bowlers receiving contracts. His raw pace and promise made him a valuable asset for both his IPL franchise, Lucknow Super Giants, and the national setup.

Mayank Yadav's IPL 2024 campaign was cut short after just four matches due to a persistent side strain, which plagued him in the last two games he featured in. During his rehab, Mayank picked up a separate injury, which further delayed his return to action. Despite the setback, he eventually made his comeback by playing in the T20I series against Bangladesh. Unfortunately, his return was short-lived, as he sustained another injury shortly after, forcing him back into rehab. While the Board of Control for Cricket in India has not officially disclosed the specifics of Mayank's injury, it is understood that he is dealing with a stress-related injury on the left side of his lower back. This injury has kept him out of action for the time being, delaying his participation in IPL 2025's first half.

"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," stated LSG's team director Zaheer Khan. 

LSG is all set to kick off their IPL 2025 season with their first match against Delhi Capitals on March 24, which will be held in Visakhapatnam. The match will mark the beginning of a new chapter for Delhi, as they will be led by their new captain, Rishabh Pant. This exciting clash will be an important test for both teams, as they look to start the season with a strong performance.