LSG Prioritizes Long-Term Fitness for Mayank Yadav
Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) mentor and former Indian pacer Zaheer Khan has emphasized that the franchise is taking a cautious approach with young fast bowler Mayank Yadav. Instead of rushing him back into competitive cricket, LSG is focused on ensuring his long-term sustainability as a bowler without frequent injury setbacks.
Mayank, who had a breakthrough 2024 IPL season, showcased his immense talent by delivering two ‘Player of the Match’ performances in his first three games. His raw pace, consistently exceeding 150 kmph, along with his accuracy and controlled line and length, made him a formidable prospect. However, an abdominal injury cut his season short, and he has struggled with fitness ever since.
Multiple Injuries Derail Mayank’s Momentum
After missing the remainder of IPL 2024, Mayank continued his rehabilitation at the National Cricket Academy (NCA). Unfortunately, he suffered another injury during his training sessions. Despite these setbacks, he made his much-anticipated debut for India in October, impressing with his pace and picking up four wickets in his first series.
Fans were eager to see him pair up with Jasprit Bumrah, but his fitness issues resurfaced before India’s T20I series against South Africa in November. Since then, he has not played any competitive cricket. However, LSG remains invested in his potential, retaining him for ₹11 crore in the recent IPL mega auction.
Zaheer Khan Works Closely with NCA for Mayank’s Recovery
Zaheer Khan has been actively involved in devising a roadmap for Mayank’s recovery alongside NCA experts. Speaking about the young pacer’s rehabilitation, Zaheer highlighted the importance of prioritizing long-term fitness over short-term gains.
“We have had some interesting conversations around his roadmap to recovery and fitness with NCA. We are working closely with them and hope for their support in ensuring his well-being,” Zaheer stated. “Mayank is not just important for LSG but for Indian cricket as well. We want to create an environment that allows him to play consistently without frequent breaks.”
Ensuring Mayank’s 150% Fitness for IPL 2025
LSG’s approach is clear: they want Mayank to be more than just match-fit; they want him to be in peak condition before he returns to the field.
“As much as we are eager to have him back, we want him to be 150% fit, not just 100%. We will do everything possible to get him there,” Zaheer added.
Head coach Justin Langer echoed similar sentiments, acknowledging that young fast bowlers often face early struggles with injuries due to the physical demands of their craft.
“We saw last year just how exciting Mayank is. The pace he generated was extreme. But it is a tough job to maintain that speed with a young body, and it takes time to develop. We are hopeful, but we will wait and see how things unfold in the coming weeks,” Langer said.
Rishabh Pant Takes Over as LSG Captain
Apart from Mayank’s recovery, LSG also made headlines by appointing Rishabh Pant as their new captain, making him the most expensive player in IPL history at ₹27 crore.
Zaheer expressed confidence in Pant’s leadership abilities and emphasized the importance of maintaining his natural playing style while leading the team.
“I have no doubt about his skills. I hope he remains as expressive when he captains. We want to imbibe those values within the team. When we selected him as captain, we envisioned a style of play that aligns with how LSG should approach the game,” Zaheer said.
Justin Langer also praised Pant’s fearless approach to cricket.
“In T20 cricket, the most important person in the team is the captain. We are thrilled to have Rishabh leading us. His playing style is unique, and he has the ability to impact the game significantly as both a leader and a player,” Langer remarked.
LSG Aims for a Strong Comeback in IPL 2025
LSG finished seventh in IPL 2024, winning seven and losing seven matches, failing to secure a playoff spot. With key players like Pant, Nicholas Pooran, and Aiden Markram in the squad, along with a promising fast-bowling attack featuring Mayank Yadav, the team hopes to turn things around in 2025.
The franchise’s decision to take a patient approach with Mayank could prove beneficial in the long run. With Zaheer Khan’s guidance and structured recovery plans in place, fans are hopeful that the young pacer will return stronger and continue to deliver thrilling performances in the upcoming IPL season.
LSG Squad for IPL 2025
Batters:
- Aiden Markram
- David Miller
- Ayush Badoni (retained)
- Himmat Singh
- Matthew Breetzke
Wicketkeepers:
- Rishabh Pant
- Nicholas Pooran (retained)
- Aryan Juyal
Allrounders:
- Abdul Samad (spin)
- Mitchell Marsh (pace)
- Shahbaz Ahmed (spin)
- Yuvraj Chaudhary (spin)
- Rajvardhan Hangargekar (pace)
- Arshin Kulkarni (pace)
Spinners:
- Ravi Bishnoi (retained)
- M Siddharth
- Digvesh Singh
Fast Bowlers:
- Mayank Yadav (retained)
- Mohsin Khan (retained)
- Akash Deep
- Avesh Khan
- Akash Singh
- Shamar Joseph
- Prince Yadav
With the IPL 2025 season approaching, all eyes will be on Mayank Yadav’s recovery and Rishabh Pant’s captaincy. If everything goes according to plan, LSG could emerge as one of the strongest contenders for the title.(online casino real money)