Mayank Yadav‘s future in IPL 2024 with Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) appears uncertain as head coach Justin Langer confirms his unlikelihood to play further in the tournament. However, the former Australian cricketer expresses hope of Mayank Yadav’s return for the playoffs, should the Super Giants secure qualification.
Mayank Yadav’s IPL 2024 journey began with promise but was abruptly halted by injury. The young pace bowler for Lucknow Super Giants impressed early on, taking 6 wickets in just 2 matches with his raw speed. Though Mayank Yadav made a brief comeback against Mumbai Indians, the injury recurred, ending his campaign prematurely.
The Lucknow Super Giants’ IPL 2024 journey has been a mixed bag. Strong batting from KL Rahul and company is countered by middle-order inconsistency. Their bowling attack boasts variety with Avesh Khan and spinners, but death bowling woes persist. Young pacer Mayank Yadav impressed with his raw pace early on, grabbing wickets for his team, making him a valuable player LSG would want fit soon.
Mayank Yadav’s Journey in IPL 2024
Mayank Yadav turned heads during his short tenure in IPL 2024. The right-arm speedster impressed with his blend of pace and precision, often leaving top batters bewildered. With seven wickets in four matches at an average of 12.14, including a Player of the Match debut, he showcased his talent and potential on the big stage.
Mayank Yadav featured in the initial three matches against the Punjab Kings, Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB), and the Gujarat Titans. Mayank Yadav bowled just one over against the Titans and left the field after 3.1 overs in the match against the Mumbai Indians.
LSG Coach On Mayank Yadav
In discussions with reporters on Saturday, LSG coach Justin Langer acknowledged that Mayank Yadav continues to be troubled by the same injury. The 105-Test veteran was quoted by ESPNCricinfo as saying:
“No, we’ll be praying that he can play, hopefully, in the playoffs, but I’m a realist as well. It’ll be probably difficult for him to get up for the back-end of the tournament. He’s had a scan. He’s got a small tear in a similar area to where his last one was. So it’s very unfortunate. We saw the impact he had when he came back into the game. But we can all sleep,”
Captain KL Rahul on Mayank Yadav
During the toss against the Mumbai Indians, LSG captain KL Rahul disclosed that he consistently urges the physiotherapists to help Mayank Yadav regain fitness using every possible method, and is prepared to field him even if he’s not 100 percent fit.
KL Rahul said,
“[Mayank] has bowled really well in the couple of games that he has played and has a huge impact for us. As a captain, I am always tempted to bring him in the team as quickly as possible. So I have been pushing the physios and the medical team to get him ready as quickly as possible. Even if he is about 95 [% fit], I keep pushing them to give him the confidence to play the game. But obviously, they know better than I do,”
The Super Giants secured a four-wicket victory over the Mumbai Indians, propelling them to the third position in the points table. With four matches remaining in this edition, they continue their quest for the title.