Will LSG unleash 'match-ready' Mayank against RCB?

The LSG fast bowler is finally good to go, after building up his workload on the sidelines during the early weeks of IPL 2026

Two years ago in Bengaluru, Lucknow Super Giants' (LSG) Mayank Yadav burst onto the scene in spectacular fashion, with searing pace and sustained hostility, much like Mukul Choudhary did in Kolkata just last week with a blaze of sixes. The speed gun hit 156.7 kph as Mayank hurried one batter after another. Indian cricket took notice and an international debut followed a few months later.

Mayank's journey since then has been far from straightforward. Injuries and long spells of rehabilitation kept him out for over a year. Now, after carefully building up his workload, he's ready to go again for the first time in IPL 2026.

On the eve of LSG's match against Royal Challengers Bengaluru, Mayank spent some time doing spot bowling at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium, before having a long conversation with bowling coach B Arun. Then he sent down a short, sharp spell, visibly high on pace. He then capped off his light evening workout with some stretches and mobility drills, before returning to the change room.RelatedMayank Yadav's thunderbolts rattle RCB

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The franchise's global director of cricket Tom Moody shed light on Mayank's absence during the opening weeks of the season, saying it wasn't fitness but match-readiness that kept him out.

"Mayank is ready to go," Moody said on Tuesday. "He didn't come into our thinking early in the tournament because he was still a little underdone. Not from a fitness point of view - his fitness was good - but in terms of bowling loads and feeling comfortable at the crease.

"We feel he is now at that point. He has worked exceptionally hard. But that does give us a selection headache because our bowling has been pretty solid so far. We just haven't produced the runs to support that."Mukul Choudhary says a prayer after the biggest night of his life•CREIMAS

If Mayank plays, it could be at the expense of Avesh Khan, another LSG quick returning from injury. The franchise had arranged a stint for Avesh with Durban Super Giants in the SA20 to help him build up his workload ahead of the season. While he has gone at 10.40 per over so far, his experience could still prove valuable and keep him in contention at different stages this season.

"The likes of Mayank, Mohsin [Khan] and Avesh have all had long-term injuries," Moody said. "Our medical team has worked exceptionally hard to get them ready. They're all available now. Mohsin will probably have a final test on match day."

Despite failing to make the playoffs for two consecutive seasons, one of LSG's big successes has been their ability to unearth new talent. Mayank emerged in 2024, Digvesh Rathi in 2025, and Ayush Badoni has long been a trusted presence in the middle order despite mediocre returns.

This year, it's Mukul. His unbeaten 54 off 27 against Kolkata Knight Riders, in only his third innings of the season, thrust him into the limelight in ways he couldn't have imagined. Hitting a penultimate-ball six to level the scores, followed by a scrambled bye to seal a tense win, propelled him from obscurity to stardom in a matter of minutes.

Moody, however, was wary of what that attention can do, but believes Mukul is well-placed to handle that and the expectations that come with it. "That's a trap for any young player," he said. "Mukul has been very well supported within the franchise. He has also got a team that is pretty grounded. It's an environment that he will be managed in and looked after very carefully. We're very aware that it can spiral out of control for any young player who has a one-off innings or a number of innings.

"Things get sensationalised in the media and in the public eye. At the end of the day, he's a very humble and down-to-earth young man. That's certainly shining through with regard to his behaviour post that superb innings. He has been very grounded, very measured and has continued to work exceptionally hard, which are great signs. That tells you a lot about him. We have 100% faith that he is going to stay the course."