The Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) have been dealt a significant blow as their rising pace star, Mayank Yadav, is reportedly set to miss the first half of IPL 2025 due to a back injury. This development could have a major impact on LSG’s campaign, as Mayank was one of the breakout performers of the previous season. With his absence looming large, LSG will need to act swiftly to find a suitable replacement. Here’s a deep dive into the situation and three potential replacements for the young speedster.
Mayank Yadav’s Injury Woes: A Major Setback for LSG
Mayank Yadav’s IPL journey has been plagued by injuries. After missing a significant portion of the 2024 season, the pacer is now facing another setback with a back injury that could sideline him for the entire IPL 2025. Back injuries are notoriously difficult to recover from, and LSG may need to prepare for life without their star pacer.
This raises a critical question: Who can fill Mayank Yadav’s shoes in the LSG lineup?
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Top 3 Replacements for Mayank Yadav in LSG
1. Will O’Rourke (New Zealand)
- Why He Fits: O’Rourke is a talented Kiwi pacer who went unsold in the IPL 2025 mega auction despite his impressive T20 record.
- Key Stats:
- Matches: 36
- Wickets: 36
- Economy: 7.84
- Expert Insight: O’Rourke’s ability to maintain control over his lines and lengths makes him an ideal candidate for LSG’s new-ball attack. His experience on smaller New Zealand grounds, where bowlers often struggle, highlights his adaptability.
2. Shivam Mavi
- Why He Fits: A former LSG player, Mavi has battled injuries but remains a proven wicket-taker in the IPL.
- Key Stats:
- Matches: 32
- Wickets: 30
- Economy: 8.71
- Expert Insight: Mavi’s familiarity with LSG’s setup and his recent focus on fitness make him a strong contender. If LSG is looking for a like-to-like replacement, Mavi’s pace and versatility could be the answer.
3. Naveen-ul-Haq (Afghanistan)
- Why He Fits: Naveen was a standout performer for LSG in previous seasons but was surprisingly not retained ahead of the IPL 2025 auction.
- Key Stats:
- Matches: 18
- Wickets: 25
- Economy: 9.16
- Expert Insight: While Naveen lacks Mayank’s raw pace, his clever variations and death-bowling expertise make him a valuable asset. His previous success with LSG could make him a sentimental and strategic pick.
Why LSG Needs to Act Fast
Mayank Yadav’s absence leaves a significant void in LSG’s bowling attack. His ability to generate raw pace and pick up crucial wickets made him a fan favorite and a key player for the franchise. LSG’s management must now decide whether to:
- Sign a replacement from the unsold pool.
- Promote a domestic talent from their bench.
- Reunite with a former player like Naveen-ul-Haq or Shivam Mavi.
Expert Opinion: What Should LSG Do?
Cricket analyst Harsha Bhogle weighs in:
“LSG’s success in IPL 2025 will depend heavily on how they address Mayank Yadav’s absence. While overseas options like Will O’Rourke bring fresh energy, domestic talents like Shivam Mavi offer familiarity and cost-effectiveness. The franchise must strike a balance between experience and potential.”
