Lucknow Super Giants’ express pacer Mayank Yadav is set to travel to New Zealand for a detailed medical consultation after a recurring back injury once again cut short his IPL 2025 campaign. The 22-year-old speedster, who lit up last season with his raw pace and aggression, has been battling fitness concerns throughout his young career.
Mayank’s move to New Zealand mirrors the rehabilitation path taken by Jasprit Bumrah in 2022, when the Indian pace spearhead received treatment from specialists there to resolve his own long-standing back issues. His injury troubles began right after being picked by LSG in the 2022 IPL auction, forcing him to miss both the 2022 and 2023 seasons.
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It wasn’t until IPL 2024 that fans finally got a glimpse of his potential, and what they saw was electric. He clocked speeds over 150 km/h and dismantled the Punjab Kings with a match-winning spell of 3 for 27 on debut. He followed it up with another three-wicket haul against Royal Challengers Bengaluru, becoming the first player to win Player-of-the-Match awards in each of his first two IPL games.
🚨 Sources
Mayank Yadav to head to New Zealand for back injury consultation, with surgery on the cards. https://t.co/HcstOHqEnq
— Gargi Raut (@gargiraut15) June 1, 2025
Sadly, that breakthrough season too ended prematurely due to a side strain. Despite these setbacks, LSG showed faith and retained him ahead of IPL 2025. However, after missing the bulk of the 2024–25 domestic season, Mayank’s body couldn’t withstand the workload upon his return. He featured in two games this season—against Mumbai Indians and Punjab Kings—but struggled with form and fitness, conceding 100 runs across two matches for just two wickets.
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LSG mentor Zaheer Khan confirmed that Mayank’s recovery program was being closely coordinated with the BCCI’s Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru. Yet, even with the best efforts, his back gave in again. Now, all hopes rest on expert guidance in New Zealand to salvage the career of one of India’s most exciting fast-bowling prospects.
