LSG pace sensation Mayank Yadav's return date revealed by bowling coach Morne Morkel

Morne Morkel, Lucknow Super Giants' (LSG) bowling coach, has provided a major update on the fitness of their express pacer Mayank Yadav. According to him, the franchise is looking to play him in their IPL 2024 clash against Rajasthan Royals (RR) on April 27.

Mayank, who made an impressive start to IPL, securing three-wicket hauls against both Punjab Kings and Royal Challengers Bengaluru, suffered a "soreness in the lower abdominal area" and has been sidelined since April 7. On the eve of Lucknow's rematch against Chennai Super Kings (CSK) on Tuesday, April 23, Morkel revealed that Mayank remained in Lucknow and is poised to make a comeback against the Sanju Samson-led side.

"He stayed behind in Lucknow just to give him that extra two-three days without travelling. He is with (assistant coach) Lance Klusener and the rest of the guys in Lucknow, training and getting ready. So I think, anything from the next game onwards, we'll look to bring him back in," Morkel told reporters.

Also read: CSK vs LSG, IPL 2024: Records and Stats at M. A. Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai

Morkel noted that the recent performance of the 21-year-old exhibits outstanding progress, as he consistently reaches the 150 kmph mark.

"He's coming along very nicely. We're very happy with his progression. He started bowling three-four days ago, so for him it's just a matter now, of course of him, the expectation is greater, (given) that he bowls every ball at 150 kmph. It's just to really get his body and his mind in that sort of state where he's confident, running and bowling all four overs at a tight pace," the coach added.

CSK have got a coach and they've got the experience of MS Dhoni: Morkel

Morne Morkel also acknowledged that IPL powerhouse CSK will plan effectively for the upcoming game, benefiting from a strong coaching staff and the extensive expertise of MS Dhoni. However, he said that LSG will approach the match in Chennai with confidence, having secured an eight-wicket win against the defending champions in the previous game.

Also read: IPL 2024: CSK vs LSG Match 39 - Top 3 player battles to watch out for

"They plan well, and they've got a coach and they've got the experience of MS (Dhoni) and all the international players. It is definitely a team that you need to be on the money from ball one. You can't afford to give them that momentum, because once you give that momentum away from them, or once they have momentum, it's very hard to pull the game back.

"We'll have to be confident, especially after beating them with eight wickets in the last game. It's a team that you can't afford to be in a back foot, so from a mental point of view, we'll have to stand up in all the battles, in all departments, with bat, ball and field," the coach said further.