• By Ankit Bisht
  • Wed, 01 May 2024 08:53 PM (IST)
  • Source:JND

Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) pacer Mayank Yadav is likely to miss the remainder of the IPL round-robin stage due to a persisting abdominal injury suffered during the clash against Mumbai Indians (MI) at Ekana Cricket Stadium on Tuesday.

After dominating the IPL with 155 kmph deliveries and two consecutive Player of the Match titles at the beginning of the competition, Mayank suffered an injury in the third game and was sidelined for four weeks.

Having cleared fitness tests, he returned to action against Mumbai Indians and bowled 3.1 overs in which he conceded 31 runs.

The 21-year-old Delhi player does, however, have some good news as BCCI plans to offer him a fast bowling contract, joining Umran Malik, Vidwath Kaverappa, Vyshak Vijaykumar, Yash Dayal, and Akash Deep.

The contract will place Mayank under the supervision of NCA's Sports Science and Medical team, who will take charge of his injury management and fitness programme from his IPL franchise Lucknow Super Giants.

"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.

Had Mayank been fit all this while, there was a possibility of him being a left-field selection in the T20 World Cup but right now, handling him with care is the primary job of the Indian cricket establishment.

"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)