NEW DELHI: Mayank Yadav, the 22-year-old fast bowling sensation for Lucknow Super Giants, emerged as a standout in the 2024 IPL season, capturing attention with his blistering pace and seven wickets in just four games. However, his promising season was abruptly cut short by injury, casting doubt on his availability for upcoming international duties, including the Border-Gavaskar Test series in December.
BCCI secretary Jay Shah recently addressed concerns about Yadav’s injury status, stating, “There is no guarantee whether Mayank will be fit to join the team for the series, but he’s a potential asset. We are looking after him, and he is currently recovering at the National Cricket Academy (NCA).”
Yadav’s impressive IPL performances, including a record-breaking delivery clocked at 156.7 kmph, positioned him as one of the fastest bowlers in IPL history. Unfortunately, his injury after just four matches has sparked conversations about how best to manage his recovery and reintroduction to competitive cricket.
Former India bowling coach Paras Mhambrey has weighed in, advocating for a cautious yet proactive approach. “I don’t believe in just sidelining him for fear of injury. He needs to bowl—fast bowlers develop control and understand their bodies better by bowling more,” Mhambrey said in an interview with The Indian Express.
Mhambrey strongly supports Yadav’s return through first-class cricket, emphasizing that red-ball cricket can help refine his skills and manage his workload effectively. “We have to be mindful of not overbowling him, but first-class cricket is vital for a bowler of his age,” Mhambrey added. He further stressed that a detailed assessment of Yadav’s background and training methods could help prevent future injuries.
“At 22, Mayank is still developing physically, and this is the most injury-prone period of his career. By understanding his training history and carefully managing his workload, we can help control his injuries,” Mhambrey concluded.
As the BCCI evaluates its next steps, the cricketing world remains hopeful that Yadav’s recovery will be swift, ensuring that the young pacer can continue to build on his remarkable potential and become a vital part of India’s fast-bowling arsenal.
