Mayank Yadav's participation in the remainder of the IPL 2024 round-robin stage is doubtful after the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) tearaway pacer suffered another injury setback during the match against Mumbai Indians (MI) on Tuesday (April 30).
Notably, Mayank walked off the field after bowling 3.1 overs against Mumbai Indians (MI) at the Ekana Cricket Stadium. It was his comeback match after missing out on five games due to abdominal soreness.
After the fixture, LSG head coach Justin Langer said that the 21-year-old is feeling “sore in the same spot” that kept him out of action for almost three weeks.
While the recurring injury is a cause of concern for Mayank Yadav, there is also a silver lining for the young pace sensation.
According to a PTI report, the BCCI is preparing to offer him a pace bowling contract, alongside fellow talents Umran Malik, Vidwath Kaverappa, Vyshak Vijaykumar, Yash Dayal, and Akash Deep.
The report claims that Mayank will come under the supervision of the National Cricket Academy's (NCA) Sports Science and Medical team after getting this newly introduced pace bowling contract.
NCA will take responsibility for managing his injury and overseeing his fitness regimen. He is currently receiving all the treatment from his IPL franchise.
"Mayank has a tear but it is more likely a grade 1 tear. It will be cutting it fine but in case LSG qualifies for the play-offs, he might just be able to play the knock-out games. But it is like hoping against hope and right now he is doubtful for the remaining IPL games," a BCCI source informed PTI on condition of anonymity.
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. He troubled the PBKS and RCB batters with his sheer pace. Picking up a total of six wickers before being sidelined due to injury.
If Mayank Yadav was not marred by injury, he may have been picked in India’s squad for the T20 World Cup 2024. However, handling him with utmost care is the primary job of the Indian cricket establishment right now.
"He will soon be handed a pace bowling contract and once he is in BCCI Pathways structure, his growth will be systematically monitored.
"The national selection committee and the Indian team management would like to gradually blood him and ensure that he can maintain peak fitness," the BCCI source added.
(With PTI inputs)
