Tearaway Mayank Yadav is back to his best at the BCCI’s Centre of Excellence (formerly the NCA) in Bengaluru, bowling at a rate of about 90 to 95 percent, according to head coach Justin Langer of the Lucknow Super Giants.

Mayank’s most recent development is a huge boost for LSG’s exhausted speed assault, which has helped them win two of their first four games in the current Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025.

In a nerve-wracking match against the Mumbai Indians at home on Friday night, LSG had to work hard to win. The Super Giants concluded the evening with a close 12-run win, extending their domination over the five-time champions in an exciting and captivating match.

Following the match, Langer provided an update on Mayank’s eagerly awaited comeback. Mayank hasn’t played since suffering a lumbar stress injury during India’s T20I series against Bangladesh in October of last year.

“What I do know is that he’s putting in a lot of effort at the NCA. I saw a video of him bowling yesterday [Thursday], and he was bowling at a rate of about 90 to 95 percent. Mayank is now active for the IPL, which is fantastic for Indian cricket.

Last year, we saw his influence. No Indian bowler, in my opinion, has ever bowled as quickly as Mayank Yadav. According to ESPNcricinfo, Langer said at the news conference, “That’s why there’s so much talk about him.”

“He’s awake. He is eager to start. Yesterday at the NCA in Bangalore, he bowled quite well. I believe you have a few more bowls left, and perhaps… To their credit, NCA has undeniably performed well since they have defended our Akash Deep and Avesh Khan.

Therefore, we really value the efforts they’re doing to get the lads back on the field and, hopefully, Mayank as well,” he said.

Their main worry at the start of the 18th season of the lucrative league was Lucknow’s shabby speed assault. Mohsin Khan, Mayank, Avesh, and Akash Deep, the leading pace assault from LSG, were absent from the battlefield due to injuries.

Prior to the start of the event, LSG made the decision to substitute Shardul Thakur for Mohsin. Since then, Lucknow’s speed attack has improved as Avesh and Akash have both made a comeback to the field.

Shardul, who didn’t sell in the giant auction, has gained popularity thanks to his menacing and effective lengths. He has taken seven wickets in four games and been essential to Lucknow’s victories.

Shardul performed the game-changing over beautifully as MI went all out in the last seconds. Given that MI required 29 runs in the last two overs, he accomplished a fantastic achievement by giving up only seven runs in the penultimate over.

Akash easily hit 140+ kph and returned with stats of 1/46 after reuniting with LSG’s bowling squad against MI. Avesh, meanwhile, has played in three games for LSG, has taken two wickets, and has proven to be too costly.