IPL Auction 2025: LSG reveal why Mayank Yadav was retained for INR 11 Crore despite injury concerns

Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) have decided to retain the promising yet injury-prone pacer Mayank Yadav for a staggering INR 11 crore, which highlights their unwavering faith in his potential.

Despite the 22-year-old pacer having faced more time in rehabilitation than on the pitch, the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) management believes he is a game-changer when fit.

Despite his tumultuous history with injuries—having sat out the entirety of the 2022 season and facing setbacks in 2023 due to a torn hamstring—Mayank Yadav made a sensational comeback in the IPL 2024.

Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) bet big on injury-prone Mayank Yadav with INR 11 crore retention

In just four matches, the Lucknow paceman showcased his blistering pace, making headlines for clocking over 150 kph consistently in the IPL 2024. However, he was ruled out of the remainder of the season due to an injury.

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With figures of 3/27 against Punjab Kings (PBKS) and 3/14 against Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB), the Indian pacer became the first player in IPL history to be named Player of the Match in his first two outings, establishing himself as a formidable force with the ball.

Reacting to the retention, LSG co-owner Shashwat Goenka emphasized that the decision to retain Mayank Yadav was based on his undisputable contributions during matches, despite his limited playtime in the cash-rich T20 league.

LSG co-owner Shashwat Goenka was quoted as saying by the Times of India: “The way you look at it, when a player is playing a match, is he able to contribute to a win? I think Mayank fits that bill perfectly. He played in four games last season and picked up seven wickets. That itself shows the potential of the individual.”

Mr. Goenka revealed that the owners are confident that Yadav’s performances will only improve as he overcomes his injury challenges while comparing his situation to other bowlers who have faced similar hurdles early in their careers and later went on to become world-class bowlers.

Contribution Mayank Yadav makes to the game and LSG is important: Goenka

As the IPL becomes increasingly demanding for bowlers, Goenka remains unfazed by the potential pressure Yadav and his fellow young pacers might face. The LSG co-owner is convinced that their resilience and ability to handle pressure situations will keep them competitive in the IPL.

Read Also: Mayank Yadav's career-threatening injury rules him out of cricket action for a long time

The Lucknow-based franchise is banking on Yadav’s raw talent and potential, ensuring that he remains a vital part of their squad moving forward. Apart from Mayank, LSG also retained Nicholas Pooran, Mohsin Khan, Ravi Bishnoi, and Ayush Badoni ahead of the IPL 2025 mega auction.

Goenka signed off by saying, “If you look at other players with similar backgrounds, when they first started off they were injury-prone as well, and they had to work on their fitness, if I can put it that way. So that wasn't the deciding factor; it was about when he plays, what is contribution he makes to the game, and to LSG. That was the guiding principle behind keeping him. These guys really know how not to be tossed around.”

Retained players by Lucknow Super Giants:

Nicholas Pooran (West Indies/Capped): INR 21 crore

Ravi Bishnoi (India/Capped): INR 11 crore

Mayank Yadav (India/Capped): INR 11 crore

Mohsin Khan (India/Uncapped): INR 4 crore

Ayush Badoni (India/Uncapped): INR 4 crore

Purse remaining: INR 69 crore

RTM option available: For one player