Former Australian fast bowler Brett Lee has criticized the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) management for their handling of young pacer Mayank Yadav’s injury. Mayank, known for his impressive speeds exceeding 150 kmph, had recently returned from an abdominal strain incurred early in the IPL season.
Despite a promising comeback against the Mumbai Indians where he delivered speeds over 140 kmph and took a wicket, Mayank could not complete his spell, walking off the field after 3.1 overs with figures of 1/31.
Brett Lee, speaking as a JioCinema IPL expert, highlighted the risks of rushing Mayank’s recovery, noting that such injuries typically require four to six weeks to heal properly. “A side strain or whatever they are calling it, normally takes at least four to six weeks to even come right. We do not know the depths of how big a strain it was but for somebody who is pushing the limits of their body by bowling 150 kmph, that is not good management at all.
His first game coming back and getting injured, has to directly be on the leadership and the medical staff of the Lucknow Super Giants. The only person who has to pay this price is this poor young guy Mayank, who is just electric. Everyone in the IPL has loved seeing what he has brought… You wish he got the right advice, so he does not have to go through and absorb this,” Lee said.
LSG’s head coach Justin Langer provided an update post-match, stating that Mayank felt soreness in the same area affected by his previous injury. “Looks like he’s sore in the same spot, his rehab has been absolutely perfect, he bowled pain-free in the last few weeks or so, he’s looked in great condition. We’ll have a scan and we’ll find out tomorrow,” Langer mentioned, indicating that further assessments were pending.
Additionally, LSG captain KL Rahul commented on the decision to pull Mayank out of the game early. “I have not really spoken to him. He had slight pain in his side and after the first ball, he said that there was a bit of pain. I thought there was no need to risk it, he is still a young lad. It is not just the pace. In this game, he showed he has more skills than bowling 150-plus. The more he plays, the more he will learn when to bowl what. Right now, we have given him a free hand to just enjoy himself and bowl what he wants,” Rahul explained during the post-match presentation.
