Mayank Yadav all but ruled out of IPL 2024, confirms LSG coach Justin Langer

Mayank Yadav has picked seven wickets in the IPL 2024 till now.

KL Rahul-led Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) have received a major blow as their star pacer Mayank Yadav might miss the remainder of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024. The Super Giants’ head coach Justin Langer said that there are less chances of Mayank getting fit in time for the playoffs if the franchise makes it.

The 21-year-old pacer made his debut in the ongoing season against Punjab Kings and picked up a three-wicket haul against them. In his second IPL 2024 match against Royal Challengers Bengaluru, he delivered a match-winning performance by picking another three wickets, which earned him the Player of the Match award for his stellar bowling performance.

After performing well in his first two IPL games, the right-arm pacer was one of the hot topics in the cricketing world. Mayank is currently one of the fastest pacers in the Indian cricket circuit, who can bowl consistently at 145 to 150 kmph.

After showcasing his talent in the ongoing tournament, many legendary cricketers praised him for his fiery speed along with accurate line and length. Few cricket pundits believed that Mayank should get a place in the Indian cricket team. However, in LSG’s next match against the Gujarat Titans, the 21-year-old speedster bowled just one over and went off the field after complaining of abdominal pain.

Mayank then missed Lucknow’s next five league stage matches before making his return to the playing XI against five-time champions the Mumbai Indians (MI) on April 30. During the match against Mumbai, the right-arm pacer bowled just 3.1 overs and conceded 31 runs and went off the field.

Skipper Rahul brought him into the attack in the 19th over of the first innings. In his very first delivery, Mayank removed dangerous Mohammad Nabi and shattered his stumps. Soon after the dismissal, the 21-year-old immediately went off the field, leaving Naveen-ul-Haq to finish the over.

After the match, Super Giants head coach Langer said that Mayank is having a sore in the very same spot. “Looks like he’s sore in the same spot, his rehab’s been absolutely perfect, he bowled pain-free in the last few weeks or so, and he’s looked in great condition. We’ll have a scan and we’ll find out tomorrow,” Langer said

We’ll be praying that he can play: Justin Langer provides fresh update on Mayank Yadav’s injury

Ahead of their upcoming crucial match against two-time champions Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) at the BRSABV Ekana Stadium on May 5, Langer opened up that Mayank might miss the remaining part of the IPL 2024.

The LSG head coach further added that he will pray for Mayank to get fit in time for the playoffs. But realistically, he feels, Mayank won’t make it in time.

“No, we’ll be praying that he can play, hopefully, in the playoffs, but I’m a realist as well. It’ll be probably difficult for him to get up for the back-end of the tournament.” Justin Langer said during pre-match press conference.

Langer further added that Mayank is having a small tear in a similar area to where his last injury. “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. But we can all sleep.”

Mayank Yadav had a word with Jasprit Bumrah: Justin Langer

The former Australian head coach Langer also revealed that Mayank had a word with Mumbai pacer Jasprit Bumrah after the match, and he reassured the 21-year-old youngster that injuries are part of his journey.

“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, part of his journey as a young fast bowler, he’s going to get injuries. So in my experience, every young fast bowler, probably until they get to 25 or 26, is going to experience different injuries,” Langer added.

“And it’s the most unfortunate. He’s got huge potential. But his rehabilitation was excellent. He went into the game [against MI], had a couple of bowls before the game. He was completely pain free. So it’s very sad for him and it’s disappointing for LSG as well that he might [not[ play the rest of the tournament,” Langer further added.

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