The Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) are facing a major crisis with their fast bowling resources ahead of the IPL 2026 mini-auction. Their star retention Mayank Yadav, retained for a hefty Rs 11 crore, is now set to be sidelined for 6 to 8 months after undergoing back surgery in New Zealand.
According to a report published in the Times of India, Mayank had his surgery performed by renowned specialist Dr. Rowan Schouten in Christchurch – the same doctor who oversaw Jasprit Bumrah’s comeback procedure in 2023. This setback marks yet another chapter in the young speedster’s injury-riddled journey since bursting onto the IPL scene in 2024.
Mayank’s Frustrating Injury Run
Mayank Yadav made a blistering start to his IPL career in 2024 with his express pace, but his momentum was cut short after just four matches. Later that year, he made his T20I debut for India against Bangladesh in October, only to suffer another injury that kept him out for six months.
He returned for the 2025 IPL season but was not at full fitness, managing just two appearances before breaking down again. That led to his recent surgery, which put his participation in IPL 2026 in doubt. It’s also increasingly unlikely that he will be in contention for the T20 World Cup 2026, with the recovery timeline extending well into the early part of next year.
A source confirmed, “He’s out for six to eight months,” putting a firm question mark over his immediate future with both LSG and the Indian team.
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LSG’s Pace Attack in Trouble
Mayank isn’t the only concern for Lucknow. Both Avesh Khan and Mohsin Khan, two other key fast bowlers in their squad, are also ruled out for six months after undergoing knee surgeries.
Avesh Khan, who featured in 13 matches during IPL 2025 despite battling fitness issues, went under the knife on June 17. His surgery was conducted by Dr. Dinshaw Pardiwala – the same surgeon who oversaw Rishabh Pant’s successful ACL recovery.
Mohsin Khan, meanwhile, suffered an ACL tear during the Vijay Hazare Trophy on December 31, 2024. Though he joined the LSG squad for the 2025 season, he never regained full fitness and was eventually replaced by Shardul Thakur.
All three bowlers Mayank, Avesh, and Mohsin are set to undergo rehabilitation at the BCCI’s National Cricket Academy (NCA) in Bengaluru and could target a return during the second leg of the 2025-26 Ranji Trophy.
What’s Next for Mayank and LSG?
The big question now – Will LSG continue to invest in these injury-prone pacers?
Mayank’s express pace, once his most lethal weapon, had already dipped this past season. There are doubts over whether he can once again consistently hit the 150 km/h mark after back surgery. If LSG even tries to trade him to some other franchise, the question would be which team will acquire him?
Avesh Khan, known for his knack of picking up wickets, has generally had a clean fitness record until now, making his injury a rare concern.
As for Mohsin Khan, he’s been struggling with injuries for multiple seasons, making his long-term reliability questionable.
With the IPL 2026 mini-auction approaching later this year, LSG’s think tank will have tough decisions to make. Do they release one, two, or even all three fast bowlers and rebuild their pace attack? Or do they gamble on proven but injury-prone talent hoping for a full recovery?
Whatever route they choose, one thing is clear: Lucknow Super Giants must rethink their bowling strategy if they hope to bounce back stronger next season.
The Current LSG Squad Before IPL 2026
Nicholas Pooran, Mayank Yadav, Ravi Bishnoi, Mohsin Khan, Ayush Badoni, Rishabh Pant, Aiden Markram, David Miller, Mitchell Marsh, Avesh Khan, Abdul Samad, Aryan Juyal, Akash Deep, Himmat Singh, M Siddharth, Digvesh Singh, Shahbaz Ahmed, Akash Singh, Shamar Joseph, Prince Yadav, Matthew Breetzke, Yuvraj Chaudhary, Raj Hangargekar, Arshin Kulkarni, Shardul Thakur.
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