IPL 2026: Speedster Mayank Yadav Confirms Availability For LSG From Day 1, Says 'Despite All The Setbacks...'

IPL 2026: Indian fast bowler Mayank Yadav, who stunned the world with his quickfire deliveries during the 2023 edition of the Indian Premier League, is eager to replicate his performance in the upcoming season of the cash-rich league. Notably, Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) retained the speedster ahead of the auction, despite Mayank Yadav being susceptible to injuries.

Mayank, like other fast bowlers, has been away from competitive Cricket due to injuries in his short career. The 23-year-old is currently at the BCCI's (Board of Cricket Control in India) Centre of Excellence situated in Bengaluru.

“My recovery is going pretty well. I have started bowling and everything is on track right now," the youngster said.

“I have worked a lot on my fitness. In the upcoming season, I’ll be available for the team from day one and hope to contribute to the team’s cause, right from the word go," he added.

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Notably, Mayank clocked 155 Kmph during his debut edition as he rattled batters from Punjab Kings. The pacer thanked LSG owner Sanjiv Goenka for backing him.

“Absolutely. It is a huge thing for me and I am thankful that despite all the setbacks due to injuries in the past 2-3 seasons, LSG is still backing me. The team, the owner, has been with me always, both on and off the field," he revealed.

“In fact, the owner, Dr Sanjiv Goenka, gave me confidence that he’s there whenever I need it or whatever I need in my life," Yadav continued.

Mayank is likely to be a bowling partner to the experienced Mohammed Shami, who was traded from SunRisers Hyderabad for a sum of Rs 10 crore ahead of the mini auction. He also reflected upon spending time with Jasprit Bumrah and Shami at the COE.

“Shami Bhai was with me in rehab at the National Cricket Academy. I have known him for the last one and a half years. It will be very exciting for me to share ends with him," Yadav said.

“I learned to take care of my body and understand it better. Interacting with players, like ‘Bumrah Bhaiyya’ who also came for rehab, was also a learning experience. He shared a lot of things with me."

Yadav also stressed upon staying fit and playing regular Cricket for some time.

“I have just set myself one goal, that is to play more and more games because that is the only thing I’m missing from the last two years. The only goal I want to achieve this year is to play and contribute to my team," the pacer said.

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“It was obviously a huge drawback for me as well as for the team. Though last year I was available in the second half, injuries stopped me from playing the kind of cricket I would have liked to," he said reflecting on his injuries.

“It will be great for my body to be able to play a couple of matches before the IPL. I am looking forward to it," he concluded.