'I'll be available for LSG from...': Mayank Yadav drops massive update ahead of IPL 2026

Mayank Yadav drops massive update ahead of IPL 2026 (BCCI Photo)

Days after being retained by the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) ahead of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 mini auction, India's tearaway pacer Mayank Yadav shared details about his recuperation from injuries. Due to a recurring back injury, the 23-year-old, who was retained for Rs 11 crore and played just two games the previous season, missed the entire 2024–25 domestic season.

Mayank claimed he is prepared to be let loose once more following his successful surgery in New Zealand earlier this year. "My recovery is going pretty well. I have started bowling and everything is on track right now," the youngster told Times of India. "I have worked a lot on my fitness. In the upcoming season, I'll be available for the team from day one and hope to contribute to the team's cause, right from the word go," he added.

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Despite missing the entire IPL 2025, Mayank thanked LSG owner Sanjiv Goenka and the team management for believing in him. "Absolutely. It is a huge thing for me and I am thankful that despite all the setbacks due to injuries in the past 2-3 seasons, LSG is still backing me. The team, the owner, has been with me always, both on and off the field," he revealed. "In fact, the owner, Dr Sanjiv Goenka, gave me confidence that he's there whenever I need it or whatever I need in my life," Yadav continued.

Mayank also mentioned how thrilled he was at the idea of splitting the fast bowling responsibilities with seasoned pacer Mohammed Shami, who was traded to LSG from SRH ahead of the retention deadline. "Shami bhai was with me in rehab at the National Cricket Academy. I have known him for the last one and a half years. It will be very exciting for me to share ends with him," Yadav said.

Mayank clocked the fastest delivery of IPL 2024 — a blistering 156.7 kmph — during the match against Royal Challengers Bengaluru at the Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru.