Mayank Yadav's IPL season in doubt due to injury; LSG pacer set to land BCCI pace bowling contract

Mayank Yadav, the young pace sensation, is facing uncertainty over his participation in the remaining matches of the IPL round-robin stage after suffering a suspected abdominal muscle "tear." This injury during a recent game against Mumbai Indians marks his second breakdown in the last four weeks, casting doubt on his immediate cricketing future.

Despite the setback, there is promising news for the 21-year-old from Delhi. Yadav is poised to receive a pace bowling contract from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), joining the ranks of Umran Malik, Vidwath Kaverappa, Vyshak Vijaykumar, Yash Dayal, and Akash Deep. This contract will bring him under the meticulous care of the NCA's Sports Science and Medical team, which will oversee his recovery and fitness regime, transitioning the responsibility from his IPL team, the Lucknow Super Giants.

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A BCCI source, preferring to remain anonymous, shared insights on Yadav's condition with PTI, stating, "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."

Mayank Yadav initially captured attention at the start of the IPL with his impressive speed, hitting 155 km/h, and earning 'Player of the Match' titles in consecutive games. However, his promising run was halted by an injury in his third match, sidelining him for four weeks. Despite passing fitness tests, his return was short-lived as he experienced discomfort after bowling just over three overs against Mumbai Indians, where he conceded 31 runs.

The prospect of Yadav making the T20 World Cup squad had been discussed, contingent on his fitness. However, the focus has shifted towards managing his recovery prudently. "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 source elaborated.

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