LSG have received a positive update on Mayank Yadav ahead of their next match.
LSG are off to a mixed start in the ongoing IPL with two wins and as many defeats in four matches so far. Their pre-season was rocked by injuries to four premier Indian pacers -- Mayank, Mohsin Khan, Avesh Khan, and Akash Deep. In fact, Mohsin has been ruled out of the tournament with LSG naming all-rounder Shardul Thakur as a replacement.
Meanwhile, LSG have received a positive update on Mayank, who was retained for a staggering INR 11 crore.
Mayank, who impressed one and all with his scintillating exploits during the IPL 2024 season, is currently undergoing rehab at the National Cricket Academy in Bengaluru to recover from a back injury. He picked up the injury following his India debut in the T20I series against Bangladesh last October.
Addressing the media, Langer revealed that Mayank has recovered about 95 per cent and is currently working hard to pass the fitness test.
"What I do know is he's working very hard at the NCA, and I saw some video of him bowling yesterday [Thursday] and he was bowling at about 90 to 95%," Langer told reporters.
"So Mayank's up and running, which is really great for Indian cricket, for IPL. We saw the impact he had last year. I don't think there's been a bowler in India who's bowled faster than Mayank Yadav. That's why there's so much talk about him," he added.
During the press conference, Langer was in jovial mood as he also picked up a mobile phone of a reporter, which was kept on his desk.
Langer asked, “Who's Maa?” He sought permission and attended the call of the reporter's mother by himself. He picked up the phone and said, "Mom, it's 12:08 AM, I am at a press conference."
Langer also spoke highly of NCA for working on the players and how it helped the likes of Avesh and Akash recovering from their respective injuries.
"He's up, he's keen to get going. He bowled really well in Bangalore yesterday at the NCA. I think you have another couple of bowls and hopefully... NCA, to their credit, have obviously done a very good job because they've got Avesh Khan back for us, they've got our Akash Deep back for us. So we really appreciate the work they're doing to get the boys back playing and now hopefully Mayank as well," Langer remarked.