Mayank Yadav's Return Sparks Selection Dilemma for Lucknow Super Giants

Mayank Yadav's Comeback and Its Implications

Bengaluru (Karnataka) [India] - April 14: Tom Moody, the global director of cricket for Lucknow Super Giants (LSG), has clarified that the absence of fast bowler Mayank Yadav in the initial matches of the Indian Premier League (IPL) was due to his lack of match readiness, not fitness issues.

Yadav's path back to the field has been challenging, marked by injuries and extensive rehabilitation that sidelined him for over a year. Last season, he participated in only two IPL matches, with his last appearance on May 4, where he conceded 60 runs against the Punjab Kings.

“Mayank is now prepared to play. He wasn’t considered for the early matches because he was still getting back into form. His fitness was not the issue; it was more about his bowling workload and comfort at the crease,” Moody explained.

Moody noted that Yadav has put in considerable effort to return to the squad, but his inclusion poses a selection challenge, as the bowling unit has been performing well, while the batting lineup has struggled to deliver sufficient runs.

“He has worked incredibly hard and is now at a point where he can contribute. However, this creates a selection dilemma since our bowling has been quite effective, but we need more runs to back that up,” Moody added.

As reported by ESPNcricinfo, ahead of LSG's match against Royal Challengers Bengaluru on April 14, Yadav was seen practicing his bowling at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium.

Currently, Lucknow Super Giants are positioned seventh in the points table and are looking to make a strong statement against the third-placed Royal Challengers Bengaluru at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium on Wednesday.