Former Australian fast bowler Brett Lee has criticized the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) management and medical staff for mishandling Mayank Yadav’s injury. Lee believes that the young pacer was rushed back into action too soon after suffering abdominal soreness, leading to a recurrence of the injury.
Mayank, who had impressed with his express pace and two Man-of-the-Match awards in his first three IPL games, developed abdominal soreness during LSG’s match against Gujarat Titans on April 7. He returned to action in LSG’s win against Mumbai Indians on Tuesday but walked off the field without completing his fourth over after experiencing pain in the same area.
Lee, who took 310 wickets in 76 Tests for Australia, believes that Mayank’s initial injury would have required four to six weeks to heal, much more than the time period he spent on the sidelines.
“A side strain or whatever they’re calling it, normally takes at least four to six weeks to even come right,” Lee said. “We don’t know the depths of how big a strain it was but for somebody who is pushing the limits of his body by bowling 150 kmph, that’s not good management at all.”
Lee sympathized with Mayank, saying that he should have received the right advice. “The only person who has to pay this price is this poor young guy Mayank, who is just electric,” Lee said. “Everyone in the IPL has loved seeing what he’s brought… You wish he got the right advice, so he doesn’t have to go through and absorb this.”
Mayank’s injury is a major setback for LSG, who are currently in the top four of the IPL standings. It could also impact his chances of selection for India’s squad for the upcoming T20 World Cup.
Former India batter Suresh Raina believes that Mayank can learn from his experience and return stronger. “It was a fantastic gesture from Jasprit Bumrah to talk to the youngster,” Raina said. “He has so much experience. When (Mayank) meets him, he will learn so much from Bumrah’s words about looking after an injury.”
