LSG’s bold gamble: backing Mayank Yadav for IPL 2026
Lucknow Super Giants made headlines by retaining fast bowler Mayank Yadav ahead of IPL 2026, investing INR 11 crore in a player who has struggled with injuries. At 23, Mayank’s raw pace and wicket-taking potential are obvious, but his recent availability has been limited — he has featured in just five competitive matches over the past year.
Career so far: potential and limited exposure
Mayank’s professional journey began in 2021, yet he has played only 37 matches across formats. That includes six IPL appearances for LSG and three T20 internationals for India. Those numbers underline why the franchise’s decision raises eyebrows: the reward could be high, but so is the risk.
Road to recovery: back surgery and rehabilitation
In June 2025 Mayank underwent back surgery, with doctors estimating a 6–8 month recovery window. The early signs have been encouraging. He has been working at the BCCI Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru and, according to board sources, has reached 90% bowling intensity while managing a workload of around 18 overs per week.
“Mayank Yadav is progressing well through his rehabilitation and has successfully achieved bowling at 90 per cent intensity, with a current workload of 18 overs per week. He has also demonstrated significant improvements in strength and conditioning, enabling him to approach the maximal fitness levels required for pace bowling,” a BCCI official told PTI.
Back in action soon: Ranji window and full fitness goals
The immediate plan was for Mayank to return in the second leg of the 2025–26 Ranji Trophy, starting January 22. He is reportedly on schedule and could play for Delhi against Chhattisgarh if his progress continues without setbacks. He hasn’t played a competitive match since December 2023, so a successful Ranji comeback would be a big step toward match readiness.
“Over the forthcoming weeks, he is expected to progress to bowling at 100 per cent intensity, alongside the integration of high-intensity fielding activities, subject to ongoing symptom tolerance and monitoring,” the official added.
Why LSG’s decision makes sense — and why it is risky
Retaining Mayank for a large sum reflects two calculations by LSG. First, genuine express pace is scarce and highly valued in T20 cricket; Mayank’s ability to hit 145+ km/h makes him a match-up weapon. Second, franchises often back young fast bowlers with long-term plans, betting that proper rehab and workload management will unlock a top-tier performer.
But the flip side is obvious: history shows fast bowlers with serious back problems can be fragile. For LSG the challenge will be managing Mayank’s workload across domestic and IPL calendars, keeping him fit for the long term while extracting immediate value.
Where Mayank fits into the LSG attack
If fully fit, Mayank would add a high-velocity option to a strong LSG pace battery that includes Mohammad Shami, Anrich Nortje, Avesh Khan and Mohsin Khan. His return would give the side more teeth with the new ball and in powerplay sprint overs, and provide tactical variety in the middle overs with short, sharp spells.
LSG squad for IPL 2026
- Rishabh Pant (c & wk)
- Nicholas Pooran (wk)
- Mitchell Marsh
- Aiden Markram
- Abdul Samad
- Himmat Singh
- Matthew Breetzke
- Shahbaz Ahamad
- Arshin Kulkarni
- Ayush Badoni
- Digvesh Rathi
- Avesh Khan
- Akash Singh
- Prince Yadav
- M Siddharth
- Mohsin Khan
- Mayank Yadav
- Mohammad Shami (traded in)
- Arjun Tendulkar (traded in)
- Wanindu Hasaranga
- Anrich Nortje
- Mukul Choudhary
- Naman Tiwari
- Akshat Raghuwanshi
- Josh Inglis (wk)
What to watch next
The coming weeks will be crucial. Observers will track Mayank’s step-up to full intensity, his return to high-intensity fielding, and whether he can complete a match workload without symptoms. A clean run in the Ranji Trophy would boost his chances of being a ready, impactful option for LSG in IPL 2026.
For now, LSG have placed a high-stakes bet on pace and potential. If Mayank Yadav stays fit, that gamble could pay handsomely. If not, it will be a reminder of how fine the margin is when franchises invest heavily in young fast bowlers coming off injury.