IPL 2024: KL Rahul gives concerning update on Mayank Yadav's injury after LSG-MI tie

Mayank Yadav returned from an injury during the Lucknow Super Giants' match against Mumbai Indians on Tuesday, April 30, at the BRSABV Ekana Cricket Stadium. However, he could not complete his full quota after experiencing pain in his side.

Mayank made his Indian Premier League (IPL) debut in Lucknow's second game, against Punjab Kings. He took three wickets and impressed with his searing pace. He followed it up with another three-for in the following game against Royal Challengers Bengaluru. The right-arm seamer was adjudged Player of the Match in both the games. However, in his third appearance against Gujarat Titans, the 21-year-old suffered a side strain that kept him out for the next five matches.

He finally returned to action on Tuesday and bowled three overs without any signs of discomfort and bagged the wicket of Mohammad Nabi. However, after he bowled the first ball of his fourth over, Mayank experienced pain in the same part that sidelined him earlier in the tournament. Captain KL Rahul withdrew him from the attack, opting not to aggravate the injury. Mayank left the field following the incomplete over, having taken one wicket for 31 runs in 3.1 overs.

“I've not spoken to him yet, but after he got the wicket… he obviously was out of the last game because of a slight pain in his side. After that first ball, he said the same thing, 'thoda dukh raha hai' (it's hurting a little). I was like, might as well go out and not risk for the five balls. He is still young, still precious, and we have to look after him,” Rahul said in the post-match presentation ceremony.

Also Read: IPL 2024: Lucknow Super Giants rising pacer Mayank Yadav marred by injury again, walks off the field

LSG return to winning ways, move one step closer to playoffs

After going down to a rampant Rajasthan Royals on April 27, Lucknow bounced back with an important four-wicket win against Mumbai Indians. Rahul won the toss and opted to field first on a tricky Lucknow surface. The five-time champions were restricted to 144/7 in their 20 overs after the hosts put on a disciplined show with the ball.

Also Read: Nehal Wadhera will play a lot of years for Mumbai and India eventually: Hardik Pandya

In reply, the Super Giants lost the wicket of debutant Arshin Kulkarni in the first over but a 58-run partnership between Rahul and Marcus Stoinis steadied the ship. The Australian all-rounder, who bowled three overs for 19 runs and bagged a wicket, played a decisive knock of 62 off 45 to take his team to a position of strength. Lucknow lost a few wickets towards the end of their innings but Nicholas Pooran and Krunal Pandya took them home with four wickets and as many balls to spare.