Rishabh Pant's LSG Blasted For 'Desperation' After Fast-Tracking 156.7 kmph Star From Injury In IPL 2025

Mayank Yadav was one of the brightest talents to emerge in the IPL 2024. The Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) pacer regularly went over 150kmph, with his fastest delivery being 156.7 kmph, as Indian cricket team fans hoped that they had unearthed the next big thing. He took seven wickets in just four matches, before being ruled out of the IPL 2024 with a side injury. Later, he went on to make his India debut in October, 2024, against Bangladesh in the T20I format. Mayank was one of the players retained by LSG for the IPL 2025 for Rs 11 crore. 

Mayank Yadav, however, missed the start of the IPL 2025 due to injury and only played his first match on April 27 against Mumbai Indians. He took two wickets. However, in his most recent match against Punjab Kings on Sunday, Yadav was thrashed for 60 runs in fours overs.

Former India star batter Ambati Rayudu blasted LSG for their desperation.

"I think it is a lack of confidence more than lack of pace, because once you are coming back from an injury, it is hard to really bend your back and get back to your best. We have seen Archer, it took him six months to be back at his best," Rayudu told ESPNCricinfo.

“It will be tough if we say he (Mayank) is not performing, but LSG might have just shown some desperation to just get him into the mix, maybe he is not ready yet."

Earlier, LSG mentor Zaheer Khan explained the process of Mayank's return, saying LSG were cautious to not rush him through processes and wanted to create a conducive environment around him.

"Even though he had joined the team, we were taking our time just to create that comfort around him. I know that fast bowling is never easy, especially in this format when the batters are coming so hard at you. So, that was the thought