The Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) have suffered a significant setback in the ongoing IPL 2024 with the news that pace sensation Mayank Yadav will be sidelined for the next two matches. Head coach Justin Langer confirmed the injury during a media address. Yadav, who has been a revelation in IPL 2024, struggled with his bowling during the recent clash against Gujarat Titans. He managed just one over before exiting the field with the injury.
Later diagnosed with a side strain, Yadav has been unable to train with the team. The young fast bowler has captured the imagination of fans with his express pace, consistently clocking speeds of 155 kmph. His talent has even garnered support from opposition fans, a testament to his burgeoning reputation.
Mayank Yadav’s absence will be a major blow for LSG, considering his impact on the team’s performance. He has been a true game-changer, instrumental in their two come-from-behind victories. His impressive haul of six wickets in those matches earned him consecutive Player of the Match awards.
ALSO READ: Match 26 (LSG vs DC) – 3 Player Battles To Watch Out For
While confirming Yadav’s absence for the next two games, Coach Langer expressed optimism about his return for the match against Chennai Super Kings on April 19th. He emphasized Yadav’s dedication to recovery, stating, “We want him to play every game if possible. But he’ll be working towards it; he’s working very hard every day to be ready for whatever our next game is.”
Justin Langer elaborated on Yadav’s injury: “That’s the plan (to have Mayank fit for the match against Chennai Super Kings on April 19). He felt a little bit of tightness at the top of his hip leading into the last game, but that was about a one-out-of-ten pain, and we thought that they were clinical signs. Everything through the doctors and the physios seemed perfectly okay. He bowled that first over (against the Titans) and started feeling something in his hip. But we had an MRI scan, and there is a very, very small swelling in there. So we are very hopeful he’ll start building himself up and be back bowling again soon.”
On a brighter note, Justin Langer provided a positive update on the fitness of fellow fast bowler Mohsin Khan. Khan has recovered from a back issue and will be available for selection against Delhi Capitals.
“He’s out there bowling now,” Justin Langer said. “He had a little bit of disc flare-up in his back. He and Mayank are very important to us. He’s gone through all the treatment… He’s bowling today in the middle. He might be available tomorrow, but more than likely – and hopefully – we’ll be looking at the Kolkata game, where that extra pace will be valuable. But he’s on the right path – fingers crossed.”
WATCH – Virat Kohli Receives Fan’s Apology For Not Bowling At Wankhede
The Lucknow Super Giants will return to action on April 12th in a crucial match against the Delhi Capitals. Yadav’s absence creates a significant void, but the team will be hoping for a swift recovery and his return to bolster their bowling attack in the upcoming matches.
