There was a familiar intensity to the ball slamming into the keeper’s gloves during a recent Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) nets match. For Mayank Yadav, the young fast bowling sensation who hit the headlines in 2024 with a speed of 156.7 kmph, it marked the return of a rare speed talent.
After a grueling nine-month break that included specialized back surgery in New Zealand and as a carefully managed rehabilitation program at the BCCI Center of Excellence in Bengaluru, the 23-year-old is once again building rhythm. For a pitcher whose rapid rise has been repeatedly marred by injury setbacks, the road back has been as much a mental as a physical challenge.
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In the last 10 months, Mayank has played just two competitive matches – both in the build-up to India’s T20 World Cup in February, when he featured for India A.
But as he worked his way back to full fitness and confidence at the Lucknow Super Giants camp, the young fast bowler exudes a quiet, measured confidence that suggests the “scary” pace is making a comeback.
“I’m absolutely fine. I’m on track. I don’t have any problem,” says Mayank, dismissing any lingering concerns. “Let’s see how fast I can mix.
Mayank’s journey since his explosive debut has been defined by a frustrating cycle of stop-start momentum. After winning back-to-back Player of the Match awards in his first two IPL games in 2024, he was ruled out by a lower abdominal strain after just four matches. The 2025 season proved even more heartbreaking; despite being retained for a staggering 11 crore rupees, a recurring stress fracture in his pelvis and a subsequent toe injury limited him to just two appearances before he was ruled out altogether.
The severity of the back problem eventually necessitated a trip to New Zealand for surgery, the same route Jasprit Bumrah extended his career.
BOWLING BACK TO CONFIDENCE
The dismissal forced the Delhi-born paceman to confront the reality of a body which, he admitted, may not have been ready for the mere demands of 155km/h deliveries.
“I had a very long break from cricket. I haven’t been able to play any game for the last 8-9 months,” he says.
“It’s important that I come back with the same intensity and show myself that I can repeat my past performances. And yes, there will be a lot of questions after the surgery: ‘will the old Mayank come back’. So it’s important for me to come back with the same intensity.”
While fans focus on the speed weapon, Mayank’s time at the Center of Excellence, where he achieved 90% bowling intensity in early 2026, has shifted his focus towards longevity and craft.
“I can’t pinpoint a specific reason for my injuries. It could be a lot of reasons. My body probably isn’t mature for that kind of intensity and impact,” he says.
“I’m doing my best, but I don’t think managing the injury is in my hands. I’m focused on the process. I’ve never focused on bowling at a high pace; I’ve always focused on controlling and contributing to my team.”
REDEMPTION SEASON?
Lucknow Super Giants have doubled down on their X-factor weapon and have again retained Mayank for Rs 11 crore ahead of the 2026 season. The faith shown by owner Sanjiv Goenka and former mentor Zaheer Khan has not gone unnoticed. This year, Mayank won’t have to carry the burden alone; is set to anchor a formidable pace attack alongside newly acquired veteran Mohammed Shami.
“Everyone dreams of me playing for India. I have already made my debut,” says Mayank, eyes fixed on the future. “But this season is important for me because I want to get back to playing for India.
As LSG prepares for their opener against Delhi Capitals on April 1, the ‘bowling shot’ is back on the launch pad. If his clean pace moving towards 150 kmph is any indication, IPL 2026 could mark the evolution of Mayank Yadav from a fleeting sensation to a sustainable force.
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Issued by:
Akshay Ramesh
Published on:
21 March 2026 15:15 IST
