Mayank Yadav's latest fitness update a glimmer of hope for LSG but still no availability for start of IPL 2025: Report
Mayank Yadav has resumed bowling at the NCA
Monday morning brought a glimmer of hope for Lucknow Super Giants as the franchise has been handed a major update on fast bowler Mayank Yadav's return date. But the India bowler is still unlikely to be available from the start of the 2025 season of the IPL, where LSG will begin their campaign against Delhi Capitals on March 24 in Vizag.
According to a report in MyKhel, Mayank resumed bowling after he had almost recovered from his tie injury. The report added that he will return to IPL in mid-April, indicating that he would likely feature in the game against Chennai Super Kings at home, 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.
The source also added that LSG wanted Mayank's rehabilitation at the NCA to take place under their watchful eyes, but their plea was rejected as the fast bowler is now a BCCI-contracted player.
Mayank made his debut in the IPL last year. He played just four matches, picking seven wickets at 12.14, before injury cut short his campaign. But it was enough to impress BCCI selectors, who handed him his debut opportunity in October last year in the home series against Bangladesh. He played all three games, picking four wickets at an economy rate of 6.91.
LSG yet to heave a sigh of relief
Even though the 18th season of the IPL has yet to kick off, the preparations haven't begun on a good note. Besides Mayank, LSG also wait the clearance from NCA on two other Indian bowlers - Mohsin Khan and Avesh Khan, thus adding to their pace woes for IPL 2025. In addition, Aussie all-rounder Mitchell Marsh confirmed that he will only be available as a batter during the season owing to a back injury.
LSG could, hence, rope in India all-rounder Shardul Thakur, who was spotted training at their camp on Sunday. The India star had gone unsold at the mega auction last year in November.
