Lucknow Super Giants Face Bowling Crisis Ahead of IPL 2026
Injury Woes for Lucknow Super Giants
The Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) are grappling with a significant challenge regarding their fast bowling lineup as they approach the IPL 2026 mini-auction. Their key player, Mayank Yadav, who was retained for a substantial Rs 11 crore, is expected to be out of action for 6 to 8 months following back surgery in New Zealand.
Surgery Details and Recovery Timeline
As reported by a leading news outlet, Mayank underwent the procedure under the expertise of Dr. Rowan Schouten in Christchurch, the same specialist who assisted Jasprit Bumrah during his recovery in 2023. This latest injury adds to the young bowler's ongoing struggles since he made his IPL debut in 2024.
Mayank’s Injury History
Mayank Yadav kicked off his IPL career in 2024 with impressive speed, but his progress was halted after just four matches. He made his T20I debut for India against Bangladesh in October of that year, only to face another injury that sidelined him for six months. Although he returned for the 2025 IPL season, he was not fully fit and could only play two matches before succumbing to another injury, leading to his recent surgery. His participation in IPL 2026 is now uncertain, and he may also miss the T20 World Cup 2026 due to the lengthy recovery period.
LSG's Bowling Lineup in Jeopardy
Mayank is not the only concern for LSG. Both Avesh Khan and Mohsin Khan, crucial fast bowlers for the team, are also out for six months following knee surgeries. Avesh, who played 13 matches in IPL 2025 despite fitness challenges, underwent surgery on June 17, performed by Dr. Dinshaw Pardiwala, who previously helped Rishabh Pant recover from an ACL injury. Mohsin Khan suffered an ACL tear during the Vijay Hazare Trophy on December 31, 2024, and although he joined the LSG squad for the 2025 season, he never regained full fitness and was replaced by Shardul Thakur.
Future Considerations for LSG
All three bowlers—Mayank, Avesh, and Mohsin—are set to undergo rehabilitation at the BCCI’s National Cricket Academy (NCA) in Bengaluru, with hopes of returning during the second leg of the 2025-26 Ranji Trophy. The pressing question for LSG is whether they will continue to invest in these injury-prone players. Mayank's once-dominant pace has diminished, raising concerns about his ability to consistently reach 150 km/h post-surgery. If LSG considers trading him, it remains uncertain which team would take the risk.
Decisions Ahead for LSG
Avesh Khan, known for his wicket-taking ability, has generally maintained good fitness, making his injury a rare occurrence. Conversely, Mohsin Khan has faced ongoing injury issues, casting doubt on his long-term reliability. With the IPL 2026 mini-auction approaching, LSG's management faces tough choices: should they release one, two, or all three fast bowlers to rebuild their pace attack, or gamble on their recovery? Whatever path they choose, it is evident that the Lucknow Super Giants must reassess their bowling strategy to strengthen their squad for the upcoming season.
Current LSG Squad Overview
The current roster for LSG ahead of IPL 2026 includes Nicholas Pooran, Mayank Yadav, Ravi Bishnoi, Mohsin Khan, Ayush Badoni, Rishabh Pant, Aiden Markram, David Miller, Mitchell Marsh, Avesh Khan, Abdul Samad, Aryan Juyal, Akash Deep, Himmat Singh, M Siddharth, Digvesh Singh, Shahbaz Ahmed, Akash Singh, Shamar Joseph, Prince Yadav, Matthew Breetzke, Yuvraj Chaudhary, Raj Hangargekar, Arshin Kulkarni, and Shardul Thakur.