Two seasons ago in Bengaluru, Lucknow Super Giants’ Mayank Yadav announced himself with a burst of pace and relentless aggression, leaving batters scrambling. The impact recalled the kind of recent fireworks Mukul Choudhary produced for the franchise last week in Kolkata—though in Mukul’s case, the headline was a rapid flurry of sixes. Mayank’s early statement was backed by a speed reading of 156.7 kph, and it was followed by an international opportunity a few months later.
Since that debut moment, Mayank’s path has been anything but smooth. Periods of injury and extended rehabilitation kept him away from action for more than a year. Now, having rebuilt his workload carefully, he is set to return to IPL cricket in 2026 for the first time.
Return to action at Chinnaswamy
Ahead of LSG’s game against Royal Challengers Bengaluru, Mayank spent time at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium focusing on spot bowling. He then moved through a longer discussion with bowling coach B Arun before delivering a short spell that looked sharp and visibly quick. The session ended with stretches and mobility work, after which he went back to the dressing room.
LSG’s global director of cricket Tom Moody explained why Mayank missed the early stretch of the season. His key point was that the delay was not about physical fitness, but about match readiness—specifically, whether he felt settled with his bowling rhythm and workload demands.
Moody on why Mayank stayed out
“Mayank is ready to go,” Moody said on Tuesday. “He wasn’t part of our early tournament planning because he was still a little underdone. Not from a fitness point of view—his fitness was good—but in terms of bowling loads and getting comfortable at the crease.”
Moody added that even with the bowler now at the right stage, selection will be tricky. “We feel he has reached that point. He has worked exceptionally hard. But it does create a selection headache because our bowling has been pretty solid so far. We just haven’t produced the runs to support that.”
If Mayank takes his place, it could mean a change for Avesh Khan, another LSG fast bowler returning from injury. LSG had arranged a workload-building stint for Avesh with Durban Super Giants in the SA20 ahead of the new season. While his figures show an economy of 10.40 per over so far, Moody believes Avesh’s experience can still matter at different stages of the campaign.
Moody also spoke about the broader injury-recovery picture within the squad. “The likes of Mayank, Mohsin [Khan] and Avesh have all had long-term injuries,” he said. “Our medical team has worked exceptionally hard to get them ready. They’re all available now. Mohsin will probably have a final test on match day.”
Quick facts
- Mayank Yadav’s breakthrough moment came in Bengaluru two years ago, with a speed-gun reading of 156.7 kph.
- He was sidelined for over a year due to injuries and rehabilitation.
- He is set to return for the first time in IPL 2026 ahead of LSG’s match versus Royal Challengers Bengaluru.
- Mayank’s early season absence was described as a match-readiness issue rather than a fitness problem.
- Moody said Avesh Khan could be affected if Mayank plays, with Avesh having worked on workload in the SA20 with Durban Super Giants.
- Mohsin Khan is expected to undergo a final test on match day.
- LSG’s talent pipeline includes Mayank (2024), Digvesh Rathi (2025), and Ayush Badoni as a long-time middle-order option.
- Mukul Choudhary’s unbeaten 54 off 27 against Kolkata Knight Riders (his third innings of the season) turned him into a talking point.
LSG may have missed the playoffs for two straight seasons, but one of their standout strengths has been spotting and developing new talent. Mayank arrived on the scene in 2024, Digvesh Rathi followed in 2025, and Ayush Badoni has continued to be a steady presence in the middle order despite returns that haven’t always been flashy.
This season’s breakthrough has been Mukul. His unbeaten 54 off 27 balls against Kolkata Knight Riders—only his third innings of the year—catapulted him into the spotlight. Mukul struck a six on the penultimate delivery to level the contest, and then a scrambled bye helped close out a tight win, turning an unheralded start into instant recognition.
Moody, though, cautioned that sudden attention can be dangerous for young players. He believes Mukul is in a good position to manage the spotlight and the expectations that follow a standout innings. “That’s a trap for any young player,” Moody said. “Mukul has been very well supported within the franchise. He has also got a team that is pretty grounded. It’s an environment that he will be managed in and looked after very carefully.”
Moody continued, stressing how quickly one-off performances can spiral if not handled properly. “We’re very aware that it can spiral out of control for any young player who has a one-off innings or a number of innings. Things get sensationalised in the media and in the public eye.”
He pointed to Mukul’s attitude as the biggest stabiliser. “At the end of the day, he’s a very humble and down-to-earth young man,” Moody said. “That’s certainly shining through with regard to his behaviour post that superb innings. He has been very grounded, very measured and has continued to work exceptionally hard, which are great signs. We have 100% faith that he is going to stay the course.”
