Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) might have won three games in a row in the 2024 edition of the IPL after losing their tournament opener against the Rajasthan Royals, however, they were sweating over their pace sensation Mayank Yadav's fitness as the 21-year-old left the field only after bowling just one over against the Gujarat Titans on Sunday, April 7. Mayank, who won a couple of Player of the Match awards after back-to-back three-wicket hauls, now has been advised rest.
As per an LSG update, Mayank felt soreness in his lower abdominal area and is likely to miss a couple of games for the KL Rahul-led side. "Mayank felt soreness in the lower abdominal area and as a precaution, we are managing his work load over next week. We hope to see him soon in the field," CEO of Lucknow Super Giants Colonel Vinod Bisht said in a statement. Hence, it's likely that Mayank could miss LSG's next two games against Delhi Capitals on April 12 and against the Kolkata Knight Riders on April 14.
Mayank has taken the cricketing fraternity by storm with his two back-to-back splendid spells of bowling, first against the Punjab Kings, followed by 3/14 against the Royal Challengers Bengaluru. Mayank was consistently hitting speeds of 155-plus and even registered the fastest ball of the season by hitting the 156.7 km/hr mark.
However, on Sunday, Mayank didn't even cross the 145 km/hr mark in the one over he bowled and looked in some discomfort and walked out with a suspected side strain.
In place of Mayank, LSG could bring back the left-arm pacer Mohsin Khan or try Mohammad Arshad Khan, who played for the Mumbai Indians in IPL 2023. LSG have won three games in a row and will aim to continue their momentum with two back-to-back games scheduled on the weekend.
