Former Indian coach Sanjay Bangar has expressed his surprise at IPL franchise LSG retaining fast bowler Mayank Yadav despite serious injuries. The blow came when they already have Mohammed Shami, Avesh Khan, Mohsin Khan and Prince Yadav.
All the IPL franchises have informed about their retention and after failing to perform well last season, Lucknow Super Giants have decided to move on from IPL veteran David Miller. There is no need to do much in batting, but there is in bowling.
Lucknow Super Giants let go of Ravi Bishnoi as he was not promising, and Digvesh Rathi took his place as first-choice spinner; However, they retained all their Indian pace options, despite many of them being ruled out of the previous season due to injury.
“Shami and Mohsin give a good mix of left-hand and right-hand combinations” – Sanjay Bangar
Lucknow Super Giants started the business with the release of Shardul Thakur and replaced him with Mohammed Shami from Sunrisers Hyderabad. It can be assumed that Shami will get ideal conditions to bowl in conditions favorable to Ikana’s fast bowling.
During a conversation on Star Sports, Sanjay Bangar said that Mohsin Khan, who is potentially fit and ready to make a comeback, could partner with Mohammed Shami for LSG with the new ball for the upcoming IPL season.
“For me, Mohsin, if he is fit, comes back because he gives you a good mix of right-left combinations. Obviously Shami will enjoy bowling in conditions suitable for seam bowling,” the former Indian coach said.
Sanjay Bangar surprised by LSG’s decision to retain Mayank Yadav
Sanjay Bangar then went on to say that, given the immense strength and reliable options in the bowling deck of Lucknow Super Giants, he felt it was unfair to retain Mayank Yadav, who played only a few games for the team and was ruled out for the season due to another injury.
“Avesh Khan may not be a starter but he can come in as an impact player. Bit surprised why they retained Mayank Yadav as they also have Prince, who gave a very good account of himself. He can be a good backup to Mohsin or Shami,” he said.
Mayank Yadav played only two matches in the season, in which he took two wickets and gave runs at an economy rate of 12.50. Prince Yadav, on the other hand, has been suggested by Sanjay Bangar as an ideal backup for the frontline pacers.
Bangar demands inclusion of Mathisha Pathirana in LSG
In the conversation, Sanjay Bangar reckoned that Mathiesha Pathirana could be the best target for LSG in the upcoming IPL 2026 auction.
“They may look at acquiring a foreign player soon as that is their main need. Perhaps Pathirana would be fantastic. LSG would definitely like to see someone like Pathirana to strengthen their fast bowling department,” he said.
He also said that LSG needs a backup spinner for Digvesh Rathi, but still, he believed that Pathirana could be an ideal option for the Lucknow Super Giants. He also said that Rathi had a great 2025 season and being a spinner, he is not prone to injury.
Also read: Ajinkya Rahane to remain KKR captain, Sunil Narine to be demoted in batting order
