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Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) Mayank Yadav has played a handful of Indian Premier League (IPL) matches but his pace has thrilled and troubled many. In India, raw pace is scarce and speedsters who can go upwards of 150 kmph are often injury prone. It is a similar case with Yadav who was fastracked to the Indian setup as well but got injured and remained on sidelines for a long time. Ahead of the IPL 2026, LSG’s new bowling coach Bharat Arun does not want the pacer to unleash his pace straightaway but get into the rhythm first. The former India and Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) bowling coach revealed that the 23-year-old is currently bowling close to 140 kmph, considerably lower than he became popular for.
“Mayank has not bowled for nearly two years now. For somebody who can bowl 150 kmph plus going through a series of injuries and being out of the game for that long is not easy. He cannot straightaway be looking to bowl 150-plus; that comes with confidence. Even right now he’s bowling with very good rhythm and close to 140 which I feel is a very healthy pace. If he can work more on his execution, pace will come as he gains more confidence,” Arun told Hindustan Times.
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Arun worked at KKR for four years but he feels that he has a better role at LSG considering their fast-bowling stocks. He is up for the challenge.
“Well, one thing is for sure: I have a much better role than I had in KKR. Also, we have more than half-a-dozen really talented Indian fast bowlers. Any of them can play for the country. To be able to guide this talent to achieve its potential is a big challenge for me. And I love challenges,” he said.
Arun trusts unique LSG pace attack
The 63-year-old feels that LSG have a better pace attack than they had last season. In IPL 2025, LSG's fast-bowling stocks were depleted due to injuries. He is backing the Mohammed Shami-led pace attack to do well.
“Shami brings in a lot of experience. Prince Yadav has done well. Avesh Khan and Mohsin are exciting talent and so is Naman Tiwari. Arjun Tendulkar is also there. If you look at the pace bowling setup, each one is unique. How soon we get them to align with what the team wants and get the best out of them is the biggest challenge,” the former India bowling coach said.
LSG vs DC head-to-head
LSG will begin their campaign against Axar Patel-led Delhi Capitals (DC) at their homeground on April 1. LSG have lost their last four encounters against DC. LSG's two wins against DC came in the 2023 edition. The last time they played in Lucknow, DC registered a comfortable eight-wicket win.
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