Mayank Yadav has returned from an injury during the Lucknow Super Giants’ match against Mumbai Indians on Tuesday, April 30, at the BRSABV Ekana Cricket Stadium as well. However, he could not complete his full quota after feeling pain in his side again. However, Mayank made his Indian Premier League (IPL) debut in Lucknow’s second game, against Punjab Kings and took three wickets and impressed with his stunning pace as well.
He followed it up with another three-for in the following game against Royal Challengers Bengaluru as well. The right-arm seamer was adjudged Player of the Match in both matches. However, in his third match against Gujarat Titans, the 21-year-old suffered a side strain that kept him out for the next five matches as well.
He finally returned to action on Tuesday but bowled three overs without any signs of discomfort and claimed the wicket of Mohammad Nabi as well. However, after he bowled the first ball of his fourth over, he felt pain in the same part that sidelined him earlier in the tournament. Captain KL Rahul withdrew him from the attack and Mayank left the field following the incomplete over, having taken one wicket for 31 runs in 3.1 overs as well.
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“I’ve not spoken to him yet, but after he got the wicket… he obviously was out of the last game because of a slight pain in his side. After that first ball, he said the same thing, ‘thoda dukh raha hai’ (it’s hurting a little). I was like, might as well go out and not risk for the five balls. He is still young, still precious, and we have to look after him,” Rahul said in the post-match presentation ceremony.
After losing to Rajasthan Royals on April 27, Lucknow bounced back with an important four-wicket win against Mumbai Indians as well. Rahul won the toss and opted to field first as well. The five-time champions were restricted to 144/7 in their 20 overs after the hosts put on a good show with the ball.
In reply, the Super Giants lost the wicket of debutant Arshin Kulkarni in the first over itself but a 58-run partnership between Rahul and Marcus Stoinis helped the team. The Australian all-rounder, who bowled three overs for 19 runs and picked up a wicket, played a decisive knock of 62 off 45 to take his team to a position of strength as well. Lucknow lost a few wickets towards the end of their innings but Nicholas Pooran and Krunal Pandya sealed the deal with four wickets and as many balls to spare.
