IPL 2024: LSG speedster Mayank Yadav out of tournament with injury? Here’s what coach Justin Langer said

Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) Mayank Yadav might not be able to play in the rest of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024, said head coach Justin Langer on Saturday (May 4). Mayank left the game against Mumbai Indians earlier this week due to soreness in the same spot which had forced him to miss five games after playing just three game post his debut on March 30.

"He's had a scan. He's got a small tear in a similar area to where his last one was. So it's very unfortunate. We saw the impact he had when he came back into the game. But we can all sleep," Langer said.

Also Read:BCCI selectors want IPL 2024 sensation Mayank Yadav fit for Australia Tests in November – Reports

"There will always be a lot of discussion about fast bowlers, and I know he spoke to [Jasprit] Bumrah after the game and he reassured him that if he's going to be a fast bowler, part of his journey as a young fast bowler, he's going to get injuries," he added.

Mayank had set the IPL ablaze with his raw pace, taking six wickets in the first two games, against Punjab Kings and Royal Challengers Bengaluru. He sent most of his deliveries north of 155-kmph mark - a rarity anywhere in the world. He also became the first to win Player of the Match awards in his first two IPL games.

The 21-year-old, however, hit a setback after that and missed the next five games due to pain in abdomen.

Speaking on his chances to play, Langer said: "We'll be praying that he can play, hopefully, in the playoffs, but I'm a realist as well. It'll be probably difficult for him to get up for the back-end of the tournament."

As for LSG, they are currently placed third on the 10-team points table with six wins from the 10 games they have played. Out of the remaining four games, they play against KKR at home before three away games against SRH, DC and MI.