Mayank Yadav, the pace sensation from Delhi, faces an uncertain future in the remaining IPL round-robin stage after sustaining a suspected abdominal muscle tear during the match against Mumbai Indians. This is his second injury setback in the past four weeks, casting doubt on his availability for the crucial knockout games.
However, there is a silver lining for the 21-year-old. The BCCI is set to offer him a pace bowling contract alongside Umran Malik, Vidwath Kaverappa, Vyshak Vijaykumar, Yash Dayal, and Akash Deep. This contract will place Yadav under the supervision of the NCA’s Sports Science and Medical team, who will oversee his injury management and fitness program.
“Mayank has a tear, but it is likely a grade 1 tear. It will be cutting it fine, but if LSG qualifies for the play-offs, he might be able to play the knockout games. But it is like hoping against hope, and right now, he is doubtful for the remaining IPL games,” a BCCI source told PTI on condition of anonymity.
Yadav burst onto the scene with impressive performances at the start of the IPL, earning back-to-back ‘Player of the Match’ awards. However, he broke down in the third match and was ruled out for four weeks. He made a comeback against Mumbai Indians on Tuesday but was forced to leave the field after bowling 3.1 overs.
Had Yadav been fit throughout the tournament, he could have been a potential left-field selection for the T20 World Cup. However, the Indian cricket establishment is now focused on handling him with care.
“He will soon be handed a pace bowling contract, and once he is in the BCCI Pathways structure, his growth will be systematically monitored. The national selection committee and the Indian team management would like to gradually blood him and ensure that he can maintain peak fitness,” the BCCI source added.
