Irfan Pathan Questions Mayank Yadav's Future with Lucknow Super Giants

In a recent analysis, Irfan Pathan addressed the challenges faced by Mayank Yadav as he returns to the Lucknow Super Giants after injuries. With only six matches played in two years, Pathan questions Yadav's future in the IPL, emphasizing the impatience of franchises. He also highlights the strength of LSG's fast bowling lineup, featuring Mohammed Shami, and shares his predicted playing XI for the upcoming season. As IPL 2026 approaches, the pressure mounts on Yadav to prove his worth and secure a spot in the team.

By Narendra Chaudhary Mar 26, 2026, 18:36 IST

Mayank Yadav's Comeback and Challenges Ahead

Former Indian fast bowler Irfan Pathan has openly discussed the situation of Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) pacer Mayank Yadav, who is set to return to the squad after being sidelined due to injuries during IPL 2024 and 2025. In the 2024 season, Mayank participated in a few matches before being ruled out, and in 2025, he managed only a couple of appearances before a back injury ended his season prematurely. After undergoing rehabilitation at the National Cricket Academy (NCA) alongside Indian pacer Jasprit Bumrah, the 23-year-old aims to make a significant impact following a promising start to his IPL journey in 2024, where he recorded the second-fastest delivery ever bowled by an Indian in the league.

However, Pathan pointed out Mayank's struggle to maintain fitness throughout a season, arguing that his inconsistent performances over the past two years do not bode well for his future in the lucrative cricket league. He emphasized that IPL franchises tend to lose patience quickly, contrasting LSG's support for Mayank with the practices of other teams like Mumbai Indians and Kolkata Knight Riders.

Pathan's Selection Insights for LSG

Why IPL Franchises May Run Out of Patience For Mayank Yadav?

Pathan remarked, "Mayank Yadav has only played six matches in the last two years, which is insufficient. He is a retained player and must be available this season. If he cannot secure a spot in the team, that’s a different issue. The franchise has supported him, unlike many others. For instance, Mohsin Khan missed the entire last season, yet he has received backing. Other franchises typically do not extend such patience after just one or two seasons," he stated on his YouTube channel.

Shami Can Still Make A Difference, Reckons Pathan

Despite Mayank's presence, Pathan noted that LSG has continued to invest in fast bowlers, with Mohammed Shami being the latest addition to their lineup. Shami, who has extensive domestic experience, is expected to thrive on pitches that favor fast bowling, particularly in Lucknow, as opposed to the flat surfaces he encountered in Hyderabad last season.

Pathan believes Shami will provide valuable overs in seaming conditions, stating, "Their fast bowling lineup is robust, with numerous options. Shami's experience and rhythm from domestic cricket make him a key player. He will likely find more assistance from the Lucknow pitch than he did previously."

Irfan Pathan's Predicted Playing XI for LSG

LSG Predicted Playing XI By Irfan Pathan: Aiden Markram, Mitchell Marsh, Rishabh Pant, Nicholas Pooran, Ayush Badoni, Abdul Samad, Himmat Singh, Shahbaz Ahmed/M Siddharth, Mohammad Shami, Avesh Khan, Digvesh Rathi.
Impact Player: Mayank Yadav/Anrich Nortje/Mohsin Khan/Naman Tiwari/Prince Yadav.

The IPL 2026 season is set to kick off with the defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) facing Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) at M. Chinnaswamy Stadium on March 28, 2026. LSG will play their opening match against Delhi Capitals (DC) at Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ekana Cricket Stadium, Lucknow, on April 1, 2026, followed by a game against SRH at Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium in Hyderabad on April 5, 2026.