India and Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) fast bowler Mayank Yadav has opened up about his back injury, recovery and his preparation for the upcoming edition of the Indian Premier League 2026 (IPL 2026).
Mayank Yadav also shared how Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) owner Sanjiv Goenka is different from the public perception. The rise of the young speed star was sudden and explosive, as he was hailed as the next big thing, but his body could not handle the pressure of bowling at extreme speeds.
Mayank Yadav breaks silence on injury and recovery
After taking the IPL by storm in 2024 with his fast bowling, he is now finally ready to resume his journey after a long break due to a major back injury. The fast bowler has so far managed to play only six IPL matches in two seasons and just three T20Is for India in October 2024.
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Mayank was out of action for almost 12 months and also had surgery after suffering a stress fracture in his back. The bowler revealed that he spent time at the NCA and completely focused on recovery and training. He played only two games for LSG in IPL 2025.
“Due to the injury, I was at the NCA (CoE) for rehab and training. I had a stress fracture in my back, due to which I was out for a long time,” Mayank Yadav was quoted as saying by Cricbuzz.
LSG speedster declared 100% fitness for IPL 2026
The LSG fast bowler has insisted that he is fully fit and ready to give his 100% in the upcoming season. He admitted that he was a little worried about whether his movement would come back after the surgery, but the physios and trainers at the Center of Excellence helped him regain his rhythm.
A big positive for Lucknow Super Giants is that Mayank declared that his pace and intensity is back to what it was before. He said, “I am 100 percent ready now; my injury is completely fine. I had surgery after two matches played in the IPL last year. Everything is fine.”
Mayank further said, “Yes, definitely, definitely. The physio and trainers at the COE did a fantastic job and I have been able to bowl 100 per cent after the surgery. I was a little worried about how my bowling would be after the surgery, but it is back on track.”
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Mayank Yadav reveals how Sanjiv Goenka inspires him despite injury
Meanwhile, LSG owner Sanjiv Goenka has often been criticized and trolled for his management style, public conduct and outspoken nature.
However, Mayank Yadav shared a completely different story, saying that Goenka regularly checked in on his recovery and encouraged him throughout his rehabilitation and that faith played a big role in keeping him motivated during his toughest days.
Yadav signed off by saying, “I think they have shown complete trust in me, whether I am injured or playing. Especially the owner (Sanjiv Goenka) – he has helped me a lot. Even during rehabilitation, he would message me to check how things are going, how my body is feeling. So, I think the franchise has played a big role, and the trust they have shown in me is remarkable.”