LSG vs CSK: Mayank Yadav ruled out of another IPL 2024 match? LSG coach provides crucial update

Lucknow Super Giants' uncapped Indian express fast bowler Mayank Yadav's return date for IPL 2024 following a sensational first few matches, is still unknown.

Ahead of the North-Indian outfit's clash against reigning champions Chennai Super Kings later tonight, LSG's South African assistant coach Lance Klusener remained tight-lipped about Mayank's fitness and possible comeback later tonight. 

Mayank Yadav sustained a possible injury during LSG's 33-run win over Gujarat Titans on 7th April at the Ekana stadium. He reported to skipper KL Rahul and later the team management about the tightness he was feeling atop his right hip.

Mayank was sent for further scans and afterward, it was revealed that he might miss Lucknow's following 2 games against Delhi Capitals and the Kolkata Knight Riders. 

KL Rahul's side suffered back-to-back defeats against DC and KKR without Mayank Yadav on the team. This speaks a lot about the importance of Mayank in the LSG team and that his absence directly contributed to the team's abrupt performances.

Head coach Justin Langer had said before the loss against DC that it was just tightness and stiffness that he was feeling on his hips and that it wasn't much serious. "He felt a little bit of tightness at the top of his hip leading into the last game, but that was about a one-out-of-ten pain, and we thought that they were clinical signs." 

What did Lance Klusener say about the current situation of Mayank Yadav? 

While speaking to Times of India ahead of LSG Vs CSK at the Ekana stadium, Lance Klusener's comments seemed as if the situation with Mayank Yadav is not that well.

Klusener refrained from giving a clear-cut answer as he said that the LSG management is more keen on him attaining full fitness and that he is not too sure about Mayank's participation against Chennai. Klusener did reveal that the 21-year-old was bowling in the nets.  

"I am not sure regarding his participation in tomorrow's match against Chennai. He has been bowling in the nets but his fitness is our priority. But can't say anything regarding his participation." - Lance Klusener said via TOI. 

Injuries and Fast bowlers: An unbreakable bond 

This is what transpires in the lives of express fast bowlers - some moments of joy (due to their performance) followed by a long-injury layoff. That's the story of almost every pacer at the moment.

And especially if someone can bowl deliveries over the speed of 150 like Mayank Yadav has been, that bowler is more likely to become injury-prone because of the intensity they put in each delivery. 

From shoulders to hips, the life of a fast bowler is not easy. T20 cricket has anyways been too cruel for pacers, injuries only worsen their condition, mentality, and progress.

It will be a tough phase for Mayank Yadav, who had a sensational debut season in which he got injured after playing only 3 matches. 

In his first two matches against Punjab Kings and the Royal Challengers Bengaluru, Mayank Yadav was adjudged as man of the match for figures of 3/27 and 3/14, and in both matches, LSG won.

Before getting injured in the clash against Gujarat Titans, Mayank was able to bowl just one over wherein he conceded 13 runs. Whether he will return for tonight's clash or not? Tune into Jio Cinema or Star Sports to find out.