Mayank Yadav, the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) fast bowler, has opened up about his reduced pace following a long injury layoff. After missing almost six months due to multiple injuries, Mayank’s speed has dropped significantly from the 150kph+ pace he consistently clocked during IPL 2024. This season, his speeds have hovered in the 130kph range, but the 22-year-old isn’t concerned.
In a pre-match interview ahead of LSG’s crucial game against Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB), Mayank explained, “This is normal. I had a major injury, and I was out of cricket for five to six months. The body will adapt and take its own time. I need to give my body and my bowling some time to get those speeds back. There have been no changes in my bowling technique.”
Mayank was retained by LSG ahead of the IPL 2025 auction after his successful IPL 2024 campaign. He also made his India debut against Bangladesh in October 2024 but missed most of the domestic season with a back injury, followed by a toe injury that delayed his return.
“My body is taking a little time to get back to match intensity. I haven’t faced the same pressure in a while, and it’s only normal that the body responds differently after such a long layoff,” he said. Mayank has been relying more on variations, including slower balls, a tactic that has become crucial in IPL 2025 due to the nature of the wickets.
Despite a slow start to his season with LSG, where he picked up 2 for 40 against Mumbai Indians and 0 for 60 against Punjab Kings, Mayank remains determined to be seen as a “strike bowler” and a “wicket-taking bowler” for his team.
“I want to contribute as much as possible for the team. In the last match, I was a bit expensive, but whenever I bowl, the team should feel that I can take wickets,” he added.
Mayank also backed his captain, Rishabh Pant, despite Pant’s poor form this season, where he has managed only 128 runs in 11 innings. “I have known Rishabh bhaiya for a while now because we play for the same club in Delhi. He is confident and focused on the game. I don’t think he’s under pressure,” Mayank shared.
With three crucial matches left for LSG, Mayank remains optimistic about the team’s playoff chances, believing that if they win the remaining games, they could still qualify.
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