In a big blow to Lucknow Super Giants (LSG), bowling sensation Mayank Yadav has been ruled out of remainder of IPL 2024. LSG's head coach Justin Langer confirmed the news on Saturday, May 4, just before their match against KKR. Yadav sustained a lower abdominal tear during Lucknow's last game against Mumbai Indians. This setback is particularly disheartening as the right-arm quick had already battled a similar injury earlier in the season. Unfortunately, the recurrence forced Mayank to leave the field before completing his spell in the winning effort against Mumbai.
Ahead of LSG's clash against Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), while giving an update on Mayank Yadav's injury, Langer said:
“No, we'll be praying that he can play, hopefully, in the play-offs, but I am a realist as well. It'll probably be difficult for him to get up for the back-end of the tournament".
Mayank Yadav's IPL cut short by recurring injury
Promising young pacer Mayank Yadav's IPL campaign has been abruptly ended by a recurring injury. The 21-year-old impressed initially, clocking speeds of up to 155 kmph (96 mph) and claiming seven wickets in his four appearances. However, his impact was hampered by two separate injuries. In the first instance, against Gujarat Titans, he could only bowl one over before experiencing a side strain and leaving the field. After a four-week rehabilitation period, Yadav returned against Mumbai Indians. Unfortunately, his comeback was short-lived, as he suffered a tear in the same area after bowling just 3.1 overs. This latest setback drew criticism from former Australian cricketer Brett Lee, who questioned the team's management of Yadav's recovery.
Head coach Justin Langer confirmed that the tear occurred in the same location as the previous injury, effectively ending Yadav's IPL season. This news is a blow for both the player and the Lucknow Super Giants, who were hoping to capitalize on his raw talent.
"He's had a scan. He's got a small tear in a similar area to where his last one was. So, it's very unfortunate. We saw the impact he had when he came back into the game,” he added.
Langer pointed out that even established fast bowlers like Jasprit Bumrah have acknowledged the challenge of managing injuries. This emphasizes that Yadav's situation is not uncommon for fast bowlers, regardless of their skill level.
“There will always be a lot of discussion about fast bowlers, and I know he spoke to [Jasprit] Bumrah after the game and he reassured him that if he's going to be a fast bowler, a part of his journey as a young fast bowler, he's going to get injuries," Langer further stated.
“So, in my experience, every young fast bowler, probably until they get to 25 or 26, is going to experience different injuries. It's the most unfortunate. He's got huge potential,” he added.
The race for the IPL playoffs heats up this Sunday (May 5) as LSG, currently sitting comfortably in third place, lock horns with the second-placed Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR). This pivotal clash has the potential to significantly impact the final standings. A win for LSG could propel them closer to the top spot, while a victory for KKR could solidify their position and potentially push LSG down the table. This upcoming match promises to be a nail-biter, with both teams eager to secure a crucial advantage in the quest for a playoff berth.
“They [KKR] are playing well. They have won seven and we have won six. We are both in pretty good form and it will be a good contest. GG [Gautam Gambhir] was here last year. So, he knows our squad very well. But this is like facing bowling. We can know as much as we want to know about each other. Everyone knew Shane Warne had a flipper. But you still had to face it and have an answer in the middle. It just comes out to what you do out in the middle,” pointed out Langer.
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