It was just last year when Mayank Yadav had set the Indian Premier League (IPL) stage ablaze with his blistering pace that took the entire world to take notice of him. Today, however, the same promising young fast bowler finds himself locked in yet another frustrating battle with fitness. While the Delhi Premier League (DPL) 2025 auction created much buzz on July 6, one notable name was missing from the pool, and it was Mayank Yadav. And now, with his prolonged recovery, it seems even the Asia Cup 2025 is slipping out of reach.
Back trouble returns, DPL participation ruled out
Mayank’s recurring back injury has once again halted his rise. After missing almost the entire IPL 2025 season, where he managed just two matches and two wickets before breaking down, hopes were pinned on his recovery in time for the DPL. But DDCA President Rohan Jaitley, speaking at the auction press conference, confirmed that Mayank remains under medical care and will not be considered until he gets a clean bill of health.
“Mayank Yadav is still recovering. What we’ve been informed is that he is out for his treatment and in a recovery protocol which would continue for a few weeks,” Jaitley said while answering InsideSport’s query.
“If at all he is available and load management etc that we will have to see. He’s a capped player and he’s going to be looked after the experts at the NCA. So, till the time we don’t get clearance we won’t be looking at it (playing him or not).”
Mayank had also missed the inaugural season of the DPL due to fitness concerns. His continued absence from Delhi’s marquee league which will see the likes of Rishabh Pant, Ishant Sharma, and Priyansh Arya dazzle with their stardom.
Asia Cup in jeopardy as rehab continues
With the Asia Cup 2025—set to be played in the T20 format this September (reportedly)—fast approaching, Mayank’s chances of making it to the squad are now extremely slim. The 21-year-old has been advised to travel to New Zealand to consult specialists, following a treatment path similar to that of Jasprit Bumrah during his injury layoff in 2022.
Despite a brief return in April for LSG in IPL 2025, Mayank’s body hasn’t held up. Prior to that, he had a decent outing in the Senior Elite Group T20s in May, bagging six wickets in as many games for BIL, but clearly that wasn’t enough to suggest full fitness.
