Mayank Yadav "Up and Running" as LSG Head Coach Optimistic About Fast Bowler's Return

Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) head coach Justin Langer has provided a promising update on express fast bowler Mayank Yadav, stating that the 2024 IPL sensation is now "up and running" and bowling at around "90 to 95%" as he continues his recovery from back and toe injuries. The fast bowler is currently rehabbing at the BCCI's Centre of Excellence (formerly the NCA) in Bengaluru, and Langer is hopeful of his return to the squad soon.

Langer, speaking after LSG's thrilling win over Mumbai Indians (MI), revealed that he had recently seen a video of Mayank bowling and expressed optimism about the bowler’s progress. While no definitive timeline was provided for Mayank’s return, Langer confirmed that the pacer was bowling well, which bodes well for both LSG and Indian cricket.

"I saw some video of him bowling yesterday [Thursday] and he was bowling at about 90 to 95%," said Langer. "Mayank's up and running, which is really great for Indian cricket, for 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. That's why there's so much talk about him."

Mayank’s return to full fitness is crucial for LSG, especially considering the team had started IPL 2025 with a depleted bowling attack. Key players like Mohsin Khan, Mayank Yadav, Avesh Khan, and Akash Deep were all recovering from injuries at the beginning of the season. However, Langer expressed appreciation for the work done by the NCA, which has successfully helped Avesh Khan and Akash Deep return to action.

"I think you have another couple of bowls and hopefully... NCA, to their credit, have obviously done a very good job because they've got Avesh Khan back for us, they've got our Akash Deep back for us. So we really appreciate the work they're doing to get the boys back playing and now hopefully Mayank as well," Langer added.

Earlier in the season, Langer had mentioned that he hoped Mayank would return by the "back-end" of the tournament, but his recovery was delayed due to a toe injury sustained when Mayank stubbed his toe against a bed, which led to an infection. Now, with his fitness improving, Langer remains hopeful that Mayank will soon rejoin the squad and contribute to the team’s efforts.

In the meantime, LSG’s bowling attack has been strengthened with the return of Avesh Khan and Akash Deep. Avesh has played three matches but has been expensive, picking up only two wickets. Akash Deep, who made his return from a back injury in Friday's match, finished with 1 wicket for 46 runs off 4 overs.

Shardul Thakur, who was brought in after Mohsin Khan was ruled out, has played a crucial role in LSG's victories. The Indian pacer has picked up seven wickets in four games and was instrumental in the win against MI, bowling a game-changing 19th over in which he conceded only seven runs when MI needed 29 off 12 balls with Hardik Pandya and Tilak Varma at the crease.

With Mayank's progress encouraging and the return of other key bowlers, Langer and LSG will be hoping for a strengthened attack as they look to build on their early successes in IPL 2025.

Match Summary: Mayank Yadav continues his recovery at NCA
LSG hopeful of Mayank’s return soon
Avesh Khan and Akash Deep return to the squad after injuries
Shardul Thakur plays a pivotal role in LSG’s wins