IPL 2024: Mayank Yadav declared fit for Mumbai clash as LSG ready to match fire with fire

Mayank Yadav is declared fit and available for selection for the marquee clash against Mumbai Indians (MI) at the Ekana Stadium on Tuesday (April 30). The Lucknow Super Giants’ seamer has recovered from the stiffness he complained of during the Gujarat Titans clash a couple of weeks ago and will be up against India Captain Rohit Sharma, his fellow opener Ishan Kishan, ace T20I batter Suryakumar Yadav and newly-appointed MI skipper Hardik Pandya.

LSG bowling coach Morne Morkel confirmed the news, saying Mayank passed all the fitness tests.

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The home side could make a few changes to their playing XI, with Matt Henry likely to make way for the pace-bowling sensation, while Ashton Turner could get a game this season, replacing out-of-form Devdutt Padikkal.

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Meanwhile, Mayank turned heads around with his impressive showing in his debut IPL season. Bought by LSG in the 2022 December auction, Mayank missed the previous season with an injury but got to play this year, with his first IPL match coming against Punjab Kings at home.

Bowling at over 150 kmph, Mayank made headlines, with the world noticing what he brings to the table. However, his match-winning spell of three for 27 earned him his maiden Player of the Match award. His second game against Royal Challengers Bengaluru also saw him picking three wickets and winning the MOM – becoming the first Indian cricketer to win back-to-back Man of the Match awards.

Just when the hype around him started taking over the internet and cricket fans worldwide, Mayank suffered stiffness in his leg during the GT tie, leaving the game mid-way after bowling one over. Although the LSG management revealed Mayank would be out for just one week, it took him longer to regain full fitness and become available for selection.

Mayank vs Bumrah at Ekana

The fans in attendance for the LSG vs MI game will be up for a treat as they will see two-seamers (who love making headlines), Jasprit Bumrah and Mayank Yadav – go up against each other for the first time.

Though Bumrah is regardedgreatestof his time, Mayank is nurturing into the pacer India longed for the longest time.

Considering the pitch has supported seamers, this battle will be one to watch out for.