1 week Ago
Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) mentor Zaheer Khan has expressed confidence that pacer Mayank Yadav will increase his bowling pace as he plays more games in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025. Mayank made a comeback after a long injury layoff during LSG's match against the Mumbai Indians (MI) at the Wankhede Stadium. He has been recovering from issues related to his back and toe after debuting in T20Is for India in October 2024.
Mayank delivered figures of 4-0-40-2 against MI, as he took the key wickets of Rohit Sharma (12) and Hardik Pandya (5). However, his pace dropped to 140 kmph from the usual range of 150-155 kmph that he clocked in 2024. “The wait was long and for anyone who is playing after so many months to get back into the game, (it) is always that one hurdle which one needs to cross as a bowler,” Zaheer told the media after LSG lost the game to MI by 54 runs here.
“I am happy with the way he has bowled. It's important that he had to get through the game. “He stayed on (for) the (full) 20 overs.
He has bowled four overs. The execution is only going to get better. The speed is only going to get better as he plays more, that’s the way I am looking at it.
” Zaheer explained the process of Mayank’s return, saying LSG were cautious to not rush him through processes and wanted to create a conducive environment around him. “Even though he had joined the team, we were taking our time just to create that comfort around him. I know that fast bowling is never easy, especially in this format when the batters are coming so hard at you.
So, that was the thought process,” he said. “I am glad that he has got through the game. That one hurdle is crossed, I am hopeful that with the scheduling which we have, there will be enough breaks also for him to recover and then go again.
" Zaheer said LSG were in constant touch with the National Cricket Academy over Mayank’s progress through his injury. “In terms of his preparation, we've had constant dialogue with the NCA. I was updated, the physios were updated (and) the trainers were updated,” he said.
“There is a plan in place about how he should be approaching, what kind of programs he should be following and we are just creating that environment for him to just flourish. “You've seen with him in the last one, one-and-a-half years, when you've been coming in, bowling and then having these kind of setbacks it can play on your mind as well so you've got to comfort that side of things as well. With Mayank, we've taken that kind of approach,” Zaheer added.
Zaheer, meanwhile, said LSG will continue to stick with the combination of their overseas batters Nicholas Pooran, Mitchell Marsh and Aiden Markram. “The reliance on the top three is something which has been the template of the season for us, so we want it to continue. That's something which we badly need as a team,” Zaheer said.
“The freedom of expression is something which we have been talking about. All of us have been making that conscious effort of creating that fearless approach. That is something which as a group we have been trying to achieve,” he added.
LSG have lost thrice in their last four games and find themselves at the sixth spot with 10 points from as many matches. They will play their next game against the Punjab Kings (PBKS) on May 4 in Dharamshala..
