Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) pace sensation Mayank Yadav is doubtful for the remainder of Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 as he sustained a suspected abdominal muscle tear during the home game against Mumbai Indians (MI). After missing more than three weeks of IPL 2024 auction, he made a comeback and went off the field without completing his quota of overs. However, it is not all bad news for the 21-year-old as he is set to get the fast-bowling contract from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) as recommended by former West Indies cricketer-turned commentator Ian Bishop.
"Mayank has a tear but it is more likely a grade 1 tear. It will be cutting it fine but in case LSG qualifies for the play-offs, he might just be able to play the knock-out games. But it is like hoping against hope and right now he is doubtful for the remaining IPL games," a BCCI source informed PTI on condition of anonymity.
In a first, BCCI handed fast-bowling contracts to Umran Malik, Vidwath Kaverappa, Vyshak Vijaykumar, Yash Dayal and Akash Deep earlier this year. Getting a fast-bowling contract will mean that the young Delhi bowler will come under the supervision of National Cricket Academy's (NCA) Sports Science and Medical team. His injury will be managed by NCA's medical team instead of LSG.
"He will soon be handed a pace bowling contract and once he is in BCCI Pathways structure, his growth will be systematically monitored.
"The national selection committee and the Indian team management would like to gradually blood him and ensure that he can maintain peak fitness," the BCCI source added.
Mayank’s IPL season so far
Mayank made headlines when he made batters look as if he was walking on eggshells. He troubled them by clocking above 155 kmph. In his first two games against Punjab Kings (PBKS) and Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), he took three wickets each and won the ‘Player of the match’ award. He got injured in the clash against Gujarat Titans (GT) after just one over.
He made a comeback against MI. His only wicket in the game came in the penultimate over when he dismissed Mohammad Nabi. However, he left the field after taking the wicket.
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