Young pacer continues to struggle with fitness issues, sidelined since October

Indian fast bowler Mayank Yadav’s career has been plagued by injuries, and his latest setback—a back injury—has ruled him out of the upcoming England series. The talented paceman, who impressed during his debut international stint, has been out of action since October, missing crucial tournaments and matches.
Promising Start Marred by Injuries
Mayank Yadav burst onto the scene with a standout IPL season for the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG), where his raw pace left a strong impression. However, injuries have hampered his progress, limiting his participation in the IPL and keeping him out of key domestic competitions like the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy and Vijay Hazare Trophy.
Mayank made an impactful international debut against Bangladesh, taking four wickets in three T20Is. Despite his promising start, he experienced back discomfort after the series, forcing him to miss India’s tour of South Africa and sidelining him from further opportunities.
Likely Absence from England Series
A report in the Times of India revealed that Mayank is unlikely to recover in time for the England series. The pacer was also absent from Delhi’s squad for their Ranji Trophy match against Saurashtra, further fueling concerns about his fitness.
“He’s dealing with a back injury and is not expected to be fit for the England series. He hasn’t been named in the probables for Delhi’s upcoming Ranji Trophy matches either,” a BCCI source told TOI.
Injury Concerns Cloud Bright Prospects
The injury woes have cast a shadow on Mayank’s budding career, as he now faces the challenge of shedding the “injury-prone” label. Having already missed major domestic tournaments, the young bowler must focus on rehabilitation to make a strong comeback.
IPL Retention Brings Confidence Boost
Despite his setbacks, Mayank Yadav received a significant vote of confidence from the Lucknow Super Giants, who retained him for INR 11 crore ahead of the IPL 2025 season. His fiery performances in the initial matches of IPL 2024 left a lasting impression, prompting the franchise to secure his services.
Alongside Mayank, LSG retained Nicholas Pooran, Ravi Bishnoi, Mohsin Khan, and Ayush Badoni. They also made key signings, including Rishabh Pant, Akash Deep, and David Miller, to bolster their squad for the upcoming season.
Road Ahead
As LSG prepares for another IPL campaign, Mayank Yadav will be focusing on his recovery and fitness. While injuries have stalled his progress, his potential remains undeniable. Fans and selectors alike will be hoping to see him back in action soon, delivering on the promise he has shown in his short career.