The Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) finally have a fully firing Mayank Yadav back in the mix, and if the latest visuals are anything to go by, the tearaway quick looks ready to pick up right where he left off. It is a huge boost for a player whose career has been plagued by injuries. Whenever he looks fit and fine to steam at an extreme pace, fortunes turn away from him and he gets injured. Another comeback is on the cards come the IPL 2026 and Mayank Yadav looks in superb touch.
Mayank Yadav nails yorkers in LSG battle
In a video shared by the franchise, Mayank was seen bowling at full intensity during a match simulation overseen by assistant coach Lance Klusener. The scenario was crisp and pressure-driven. Defend 15 runs off the final over. Up against him was Mukul Choudhary, and what followed was a glimpse into Mayank’s readiness.
He kept things tight, nailed yorkers, and conceded just 11 runs. More importantly, the pace was back. There was carry, there was hurry, and there was that familiar discomfort for the batter. The clip is the evidence that their biggest X-factor might finally be available from day one.
Tough road to recovery for Mayank Yadav
Mayank’s return has been anything but straightforward. Since breaking through with eye-catching speeds that once touched 156.7 kmph, his career has been repeatedly interrupted by injuries.
A torn hamstring wiped out his 2023 season. In 2024, just when he had burst onto the scene with back-to-back Player of the Match performances, a side strain halted his momentum. The following year proved even more frustrating. A lumbar stress injury in his lower back surfaced soon after his India debut, and a brief comeback in IPL 2025 lasted only two games before the issue flared up again.
The turning point came mid-2025 when he underwent surgery in Christchurch on his L5 vertebra. Since then, the focus has been on building him back gradually. By early 2026, he had returned to full bowling fitness and was cleared for high-intensity workloads.
Despite injury struggles, LSG took a punt on Mayank and retained him for Rs 11 crore. LSG have always viewed him as a rare asset in T20 cricket. Genuine pace, the ability to hit hard lengths, and the skill to execute yorkers under pressure.
Mayank Yadav Injury Timeline
| Season/Year | Injury Type | Impact |
|---|---|---|
| IPL 2023 | Torn Hamstring | Ruled out of entire season after being picked by LSG |
| IPL 2024 | Lower Abdominal/Side Strain | Missed majority of tournament after a sensational start |
| Late 2024 | Post-debut Stress Issues | Needed rehab after India debut vs Bangladesh |
| IPL 2025 | Lumbar Stress Fracture | Played only 2 matches before being ruled out |
| Early 2025 | Toe Infection (accidental) | Rehab delayed after stubbing toe on bed |
| Mid 2025 | Back Surgery (L5 vertebra) | Underwent surgery in New Zealand |
| 2026 | Full Recovery | Cleared for full-intensity bowling and match play |
Cricket
Big boost for LSG as Mayank Yadav bowls with full steam ahead of IPL 2026
