LSG pacer Mayank Yadav (Photo Credits: X)
Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) star pacer Mayank Yadav has made his return in IPL 2026 after being named as part of the playing 11 for the side in match 32 of the season at Ekana Stadium in Lucknow against Rajasthan Royals (RR).
LSG skipper Rishabh Pant made the announcement at the toss, confirming two changes in his squad. Amongst the changes is Mayank Yadav, who will replace Avesh Khan in the playing 11.
Mayank Yadav confirms full fitness ahead of IPL 2026
Lucknow Super Giants pacer Mayank Yadav had earlier confirmed that he is fully fit even before the start of IPL 2026 after recovering from a stress fracture in his back that kept him sidelined for an extended period.
The 23-year-old revealed that he underwent surgery following his brief appearance last season and has since completed an extensive rehabilitation process.
Mayank admitted he had initial concerns about how his bowling would respond post-surgery but said he is now back to operating at full intensity. He credited the medical and support staff at the Centre of Excellence for guiding him through the recovery phase, adding that the past eight to nine months of rehab have helped him improve both physically and mentally.
Moody reveals reason behind Mayank’s delayed return
Lucknow Super Giants global director of cricket Tom Moody last week clarified that Mayank Yadav missed the early part of the tournament not because of a fresh fitness concern, but because he had not yet reached full match readiness.
Moody explained that while the fast bowler was medically fit, he still required time to build his bowling workload and regain rhythm in competitive situations.
He added that Mayank has since put in extensive work during training and has now progressed to a stage where he is available for selection. The franchise believes the pacer has done enough to be ready for a return to competitive action.
First Published: Apr 22 2026 | 7:14 PM IST
