Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) might have to start their IPL 2025 campaign without their express pacer Mayank Yadav, who remains in recovery from a lumbar stress injury. The young tearaway quick, who dazzled in IPL 2024 with his blistering pace, has been undergoing rehabilitation at the BCCI’s Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru and has only recently resumed bowling.

According to ESPNcricinfo, there is no confirmed timeline for Mayank’s return, but if he clears the required fitness benchmarks, he could be available for the second half of the season. This setback comes after Mayank’s promising international debut for India in the T20I series against Bangladesh last year, following his breakthrough IPL performances.

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Injuries have been a recurring challenge for Mayank. He missed IPL 2023 due to fitness issues but made a sensational comeback in 2024, claiming three wickets on debut against Punjab Kings and another three-for against Royal Challengers Bengaluru. His ability to consistently clock speeds over 150 kph made him one of the most exciting fast-bowling prospects in Indian cricket. However, a side strain cut short his campaign after just four matches.

ESPNcricinfo has learned that Mayank is recovering from a lumbar stress injury and has just resumed bowling at the BCCI’s Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru

More details 👉 https://t.co/5NgdnNZ21k #IPL2025 pic.twitter.com/HvzSCSxSIV

— ESPNcricinfo (@ESPNcricinfo) March 11, 2025

Despite his limited availability last season, LSG showed immense faith in Mayank by retaining him for a hefty INR 11 crore before the IPL 2025 mega auction. The team’s new Director of Cricket, Zaheer Khan, emphasized that the franchise is focused on ensuring the pacer’s complete recovery before he returns to action.

“As much as we are keen on having him [play IPL 2025], we want him 150% fit, not just 100% fit, so we’ll do everything possible to get him there,” Zaheer Khan stated.

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Under their new captain, Rishabh Pant, LSG will begin their IPL 2025 campaign on March 24 against Delhi Capitals in Visakhapatnam. After finishing seventh last season, the franchise has strengthened its squad at the auction and will be aiming to make a deep run this year. Mayank’s return could be a crucial boost in their quest for a maiden IPL title.