Mayank Set to Return from Injury, Likely to Feature Against CSK in Mid-April

On Monday morning, Lucknow Super Giants received a positive update about fast bowler Mayank Yadav's comeback. However, the Indian pacer is still expected to miss the start of the 2025 IPL season. LSG will kick off their campaign against Delhi Capitals on March 24 in Vizag.

According to a report in MyKhel, Mayank has started bowling again after nearly recovering from his thigh injury. The report mentioned that he is expected to return to the IPL by mid-April, likely playing in the home match against Chennai Super Kings at the Ekana Stadium.

"Mayank has already started to bowl and looking good to play in the IPL in a few weeks time," a source close to the cricketer said.

A source also mentioned that LSG wanted Mayank to undergo his rehab at the NCA while being monitored by their staff. However, their request was turned down since the fast bowler is now under a BCCI contract.

LSG mentor Zaheer Khan recently mentioned that the franchise wants Mayank to be in peak condition, aiming for him to be "150 percent fit."

"As much as we are keen on having him [play IPL 2025], we want him 150 percent fit not just 100 percent fit so we will do everything possible to get him there," said Zaheer.

The 18th season of the IPL hasn't even started yet, but things aren't looking great for LSG. Apart from Mayank, they're also waiting for the NCA to clear two more Indian pacers Mohsin Khan and Avesh Khan which adds to their bowling troubles ahead of IPL 2025. To make matters worse, Australian all-rounder Mitchell Marsh has confirmed that he'll only be able to play as a batter this season due to a back injury.

LSG might sign Indian all-rounder Shardul Thakur, who was seen training at their camp on Sunday. Shardul had gone unsold at the mega auction last November.

Mayank made his IPL debut last year and played just four matches, but he made a big impact by taking seven wickets at an average of 12.14 before a side strain cut his season short. He impressed everyone, especially with his performance in his first two matches picking up 3 wickets on debut against Punjab Kings and then earning the Player of the Match award with a strong show against Royal Challengers Bengaluru at the Chinnaswamy Stadium. His performances caught the attention of the BCCI selectors, who gave him his India debut in October last year during the home series against Bangladesh. He played all three matches and took four wickets at an economy rate of 6.91.

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