IPL 2025: Lucknow Super Giants get big boost as pacer Mayank Yadav joins team

Lucknow Super Giants received a major boost as pacer Mayank Yadav joined the team on Tuesday night. The youngster will undergo a few fitness tests before the team's next match against Rajasthan Royals on Saturday.

Yadav, who is one of the few Indian fast bowlers to bowl in excess of 150 kmph, last played a competitive match in October 2024 when he featured in a T20I against Bangladesh in Hyderabad. He has been out of action since then because of a back injury.

His comeback was delayed further due to a toe injury during his time at the Centre of Excellence.


The BCCI has cleared him to play but the 22-year-old will be thoroughly assessed by LSG head physio Ashish Kaushik. With a history of injuries, as many as five stress fractures in the last two years, the LSG camp will operate with caution with the bowler.


Even in the 2024 IPL season, the pacer played only four matches before he was ruled out of the remainder of the season due to a side strain. LSG, however, retained him for Rs 11 crore ahead of the mega auction in November last year.

LSG have dealt with numerous injury issues even before this year's season started. Akash Deep and Avesh Khan joined the side late, while Mohsin Khan was ruled out of the season. Rishabh Pant-led unit signed experienced pacer Shardul Thakur as a replacement.

Thakur is now leading the pace attack, and Yadav's presence will certainly bolster the seam bowling department of the team, which is fifth on the points table with four wins from seven games.