Pace bowler Mayank Yadav has made his way back into the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) camp after recovering from toe and back injuries that had kept him on the sidelines. The 22-year-old underwent an extensive rehabilitation program at the BCCI’s National Cricket Academy (NCA) and has now linked up with the team ahead of their upcoming IPL 2025 clash against Rajasthan Royals (RR) on Saturday.

If given permission to play, it would be Mayank’s first competitive appearance since October 2022, the last time he played in a T20I against Bangladesh in Hyderabad.

Fitness Clearance: Last Verdict Lies With LSG Physio

Though BCCI medical professionals have cleared Yadav to play, his fitness for the match will be subject to a complete fitness test by LSG head physiotherapist Ashish Kaushik. The decision will be taken closer to match day.

Considering Mayank’s history of injury issues five stress fractures over the past two years, the franchise is exercising caution. His 2023 IPL season was abbreviated after just four games when he suffered a side strain, so his possible return is that much more important.

Injury Misfortunes For LSG

The Lucknow Super Giants have experienced an inauspicious beginning to the season with various pace bowling misfortunes.

Akash Deep and Avesh Khan reported late to the team.

Mohsin Khan is out of the tournament with an injury.

As a replacement to fill the gap, Shardul Thakur was drafted in and has taken over the role of spearheading the pace attack since. In case Mayank is given clearance to play, his addition may be a welcome injection into LSG’s pace bowling department, which has been weak on depth and consistency.