Mayank Yadav (Image credit: BCCI/IPL) NEW DELHI: Fiery pacer Mayank Yadav was the center of attention as he marked his IPL 2026 comeback in the Lucknow Super Giants vs Rajasthan Royals match at the Ekana Cricket Stadium in Lucknow. Expectations from the young speedster, known for unleashing lightning bolts at speeds in excess of 150 km/h, were sky high.However, his comeback after a 353-day injury layoff didn’t quite go as planned.The 23-year-old showed flashes of his old rhythm and even broke the 150km/h mark – his trademark – but endured a tough outing overall. He was dismantled for 56 runs in his four overs, finished wicketless and finished with an economy rate of 14.00 in his first appearance of the season.Lucknow Super Giants slumped to a 40-run defeat – their fifth loss in IPL 2026 – and Mayank found himself at the receiving end of criticism and trolling on social media soon after.Former West Indies cricketer and commentator Ian Bishop was quick to defend the youngster and urged fans to show perspective and patience.
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Justin Langer on LSG’s batting failure and opening team bowlingBishop told X: “It’s scary to see the negative comments about Mayank Yadav today. The guy almost lost his career and his livelihood at 21. Just seeing him play again is a huge boost. The fact that he hit 150km/h again is a miracle. At 23, just pray for him to stay fit. The check will come.”Mayank played just two matches last season before being sidelined with a back injury. Since then, he has remained out of professional cricket and will make his long-awaited comeback against Rajasthan Royals on Wednesday.LSG’s campaign this season has been inconsistent. LSG started with a loss to Delhi Capitals but bounced back to win over Sunrisers Hyderabad and Kolkata Knight Riders. However, defeats to Gujarat Titans, Royal Challengers Bengaluru, Punjab Kings and Rajasthan Royals marred their progress.Lucknow Super Giants will next face Kolkata Knight Riders on April 26.
