Mayank Yadav Ruled Out Of IPL 2025? LSG Coach Justin Langer Shares Worrying Update

Ahead of the Lucknow Super Giants' (LSG) IPL 2025 opener against the Delhi Capitals on March 24 at Vishakhapatnam, fast bowler Mayank Yadav, who is already recuperating from a back injury, has now sustained a toe injury.

Justin Langer, the head coach of the Lucknow Super Giants, is still hopeful that Mayank Yadav would return for the "back end" of the current IPL 2025. LSG fast bowlers Mohsin Khan, Avesh Khan, and Akash Deep are also recuperating from their injuries in addition to Mayank Yadav.

Without four important Indian pacers, the Rishabh Pant-led Lucknow Super Giants will face the Axar Patel-led Delhi Capitals in the opening match of their IPL 2025 campaign. As a result, the team will be unable to identify the ideal bowling combination in Vishakhapatnam.

Justin Langer talks about Mayank Yadav’s return

Mayank Yadav has suffered from injuries ever since he made an impression in the 2024 Indian Premier League with his speed and game-winning abilities. The young Indian pace wonder sustained the toe injury that has now postponed his return just when he was getting well from a back problem.

“Mayank Yadav, who everyone was very excited about last year, was going quite well (coming back from a back injury), and he kicked his toe on the bed. He got an infection in his toe. It's put his rehab back about a week or two weeks. But he's up and running."

"We regularly see videos of him bowling. I saw a video of him yesterday. So, hopefully, by the back end of the tournament, Mayank will be up and ready to go for us,” Langer told media as per ESPNCricinfo.

Mayank Yadav last played a game against Bangladesh last year at home when he made his India debut in T20Is.

LSG pacers hit by injuries, coach Langer explains

Langer acknowledged that injuries are a part of cricket, particularly for fast bowlers, and that they must adjust, but he also disclosed that some pacers are probably going to miss a few more games in the current season before Monday's encounter between DC and LSG.

“Yeah, we're very aware that four of our bowlers are unavailable for the first game and probably a couple of the guys for a few games down the track. But that's sport; that's cricket. Fast bowling usually gives you some headaches, but you just have to adapt,” Langer stated.

The head coach of Lucknow emphasized that while they may change their approach for the time being, they want to bring back their best pacers as the competition goes on.

However, due to a minor calf injury he suffered during his rehabilitation, Mohsin Khan was already out for the season.

Shardul Thakur roped in for Mohsin Khan

Shardul Thakur later took his place. Although they have nearly checked all the boxes, Langer is hoping that Akash Deep, who is healing from a back injury, and Avesh Khan, who is recuperating from a knee niggle, will return sooner rather than later.

Langer added, “We've all been in the business long enough to know that the fast-bowling injuries are something that you always have to prepare for. You never hope for it; you never wish for it, but you prepare for it. So, we might have to change our game plan a little, but knowing that as the tournament goes on, we'll have some of these excellent bowlers to come back into our attack for us.”

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