Lucknow Super Giants’ (LSG) young pace sensation Mayank Yadav made a comeback after missing more than three weeks of Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 action. Mayank created ripples with two three-wicket hauls in first two games at breakneck speeds. In his comeback game against Mumbai Indians (MI), Mayank did not bowl at his usual pace and took a beating from Nehal Wadhera. After taking his first wicket of the match, Mayank left the field with five balls to go in his last over. LSG skipper KL Rahul after the four-wicket win over MI revealed that he had pain in his sides.
“I haven't spoken to Mayank much. He had some pain in his sides. He said thoda dukh raha hai (it is paining a bit). So, I asked him to go out. He is useful for us. We need to take care of him. He bowled wide yorkers and slower bumpers today which was good to see. We are giving him a free hand,” said Rahul in the post-match presentation when asked about Mayank.
The 22-year-old got rid of Mohammad Nabi in the penultimate over and left the field. LSG head coach Justin Langer revealed that he has been sore in the same spot which ruled him out of action for a few weeks.
“Looks like he's sore in the same spot, his rehab's been absolutely perfect, he bowled pain-free in the last few week or so, he's looked in great condition. We'll have a scan and we'll find out tomorrow,” Langer told the broadcasters.
Mayank’s spell
Mayank's over was completed by Afghan pacer Naveen-ul-Haq. He conceded just four runs in the remaining five balls.
The young pacer from Delhi was introduced into the attack after powerplay overs. He started with a short ball that hit Wadhera's helmet. He bowled a no ball but it did not turn out to be expensive. He conceded seven runs in his first over. He would have got Ishan Kishan's wicket but Ashton Turner dropped his catch. In the third over, he conceded 16 runs.
LSG’s next game
LSG will be up against Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in their next game at home on May 5. It will be interesting to see if Mayank recovers from injury during the break and regains full fitness before the crucial game.
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