Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) head coach Justin Langer on Tuesday (April 30) revealed that young pace sensation Mayank Yadav is feeling “sore in the same spot” that kept him out of action for almost three weeks.
Notably, Mayank walked off the field after bowling 3.1 overs against Mumbai Indians (MI) at the Ekana Cricket Stadium on Tuesday. It was his comeback match for LSG after he missed out on five games due to abdominal soreness.
“Looks like he is sore in the same spot,” Langer told host broadcaster after the match. “His rehab has been perfect. He has bowled pain-free the last week or so and has looked in great condition. We will have a scan and find out tomorrow.”
Mayank, who returned with the figures of 1 for 31 in 3.1 overs against MI, took the cricketing world by storm in his first two IPL appearances, claiming six wickets. He troubled the PBKS and RCB batters with his sheer pace before being sidelined due to injury.
After LSG’s four-wicket win over LSG, skipper KL Rahul said Mayank Yadav had complained of slight pain in his sides.
“I have not really spoken to him. He had slight pain in his side and after the first ball, he said that there was a bit of pain. Thought there was no need to risk it, he is still a young lad.
“It is not just the pace. This game, he showed he has more skills than bowling 150-plus. The more he plays, the more he will learn when to bowl what. Right now, we have given him a free hand to just enjoy himself and bowl what he wants.”
Coming to the match, LSG restricted MI to 144/7 after winning the toss and opting to bowl first. Mohsin Khan picked up two wickets while Naveen-ul-Haq, Marcus Stoinis, Ravi Bishoni and Mayank Yadav returned with one scalp each.
In reply, the hosts overhauled the target with four deliveries to spare. Stoinis starred with the bat as he scored 62 off 45 balls during the chase.
Reflecting on the victory, Langer said: “We were bitterly disappointed with our last game. So to fight against MI and win against them, that brings a smile.
“It was outstanding (bowling effort). I thought we had all bases covered. The first time we have taken early wickets (apart from Bangalore) and it set us up nicely.”
The former Australian coach also praised Stoinis for his stunning all-round performance against MI.
“He has been a real match-winner. He took a good catch earlier as well. He is showing a good presence at the top of the order, which we demanded after the first few games.
“Match-winners (like him) are key to progressing in such tournaments. I have been blown away by the IPL and how tight it is, almost like a World Cup.”
(With PTI Inputs)
