India and Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) pacer Mayank Yadav has opened up about his back injury, recovery, and his readiness for the upcoming edition of the Indian Premier League 2026 (IPL 2026).
Mayank Yadav also shared how the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) owner Sanjiv Goenka is different from the public perspective. The young speed star’s rise was sudden and explosive, as he was hailed as the next big thing, but his body couldn’t handle the pressure of bowling at extreme speeds.
Mayank Yadav breaks the silence on injury battle and recovery
After taking the IPL by storm in 2024 with his fast bowling, he is now finally ready to restart his journey after a long break due to a major back injury. The pacer has so far managed to play only six IPL matches across 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 even underwent a surgery after suffering a stress fracture in his back. The bowler revealed that he spent time at the NCA, focusing completely on recovery and training. He had played only two games for the LSG in the IPL 2025.
Mayank Yadav was quoted as saying by Cricbuzz: “Because of the injury I was at the NCA (CoE) for rehab and training. I had a stress fracture in my back, which is why I was out for a long time.”
LSG speedster declares 100% fitness for IPL 2026
The LSG pacer has stressed 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 speed would return after surgery, but the physios and trainers at the Centre of Excellence helped him regain his rhythm.
In a big positive for the Lucknow Super Giants, Mayank announced that his pace and intensity are back to the same level as before. He said, “I am 100 percent ready right now; my injury is completely fine. I had surgery last year after the two matches I played in the IPL. It’s all fine.”
Mayank further said, “Yeah, definitely, definitely. The physios and the trainers at the CoE did a brilliant job, and I’m able to bowl at 100 percent after the surgery. I was a bit concerned about how my bowling would be post-surgery, but it’s back on track.”
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Mayank Yadav reveals how Sanjiv Goenka motivated him through injury
Meanwhile, the LSG owner Sanjiv Goenka has very often been criticized and trolled for his management style, public conduct, and outspoken nature.
However, Mayank Yadav shared a completely different story, saying Goenka regularly checked on his recovery and encouraged him throughout rehab and that trust 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’m injured or playing. Especially the owner (Sanjiv Goenka)—he has helped me a lot. Even during rehab, he would message me to check how things were going, how my body was feeling. So, I think the franchise has played a huge role, and the amount of trust they’ve shown in me is remarkable.”
