Mayank Yadav Unlikely to Feature in IPL 2025 Opener Due to Injury
Indian pace sensation Mayank Yadav, renowned for his ability to bowl at speeds exceeding 150 kmph, is expected to miss the opening match of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 season due to an ongoing back injury. The 22-year-old fast bowler has been undergoing rehabilitation at the National Cricket Academy (NCA) in Bengaluru and has recently resumed bowling in the nets.
Injury and Rehabilitation
Yadav suffered a lumbar stress injury following his impressive debut for the Indian national team in a T20I series against Bangladesh last October. Since then, he has been under the supervision of the BCCI’s medical team at the NCA. Recent reports indicate that while he has started bowling again, he is unlikely to be available for the initial phase of IPL 2025. citeturn0search0
Impact on Lucknow Super Giants
The Lucknow Super Giants (LSG), who retained Yadav for ₹11 crore ahead of the season, are hopeful for his return around mid-April. This means he could potentially join the squad ahead of their match against the Chennai Super Kings at the Ekana Stadium. citeturn0search0
LSG’s team director, Zaheer Khan, emphasized the importance of Yadav’s full recovery, stating that the franchise wants him “150% fit, not just 100%.” citeturn0search7
LSG’s Pace Concerns
In addition to Yadav’s injury, LSG is grappling with fitness issues concerning other key pacers. Avesh Khan is undergoing rehabilitation for a knee cartilage issue, and his availability for the season opener remains uncertain. Similarly, Mohsin Khan has been absent from practice matches, indicating he may still be in the recovery phase. citeturn0search4
Conclusion
While Mayank Yadav’s recent progress in rehabilitation is encouraging, his absence in the initial matches poses a challenge for the Lucknow Super Giants. The franchise will need to strategize effectively to compensate for the potential unavailability of their key pacers in the early stages of IPL 2025.
