Pace sensation Mayank Yadav nears full return after long rehab spell

After nearly a year away from regular cricket, India’s young pace prospect Mayank Yadav is steadily moving closer to a full comeback. The 23-year-old fast bowler, who had burst onto the scene with raw speed during IPL 2024, has made notable progress in his recovery from a lower back stress fracture.

Mayank’s injury restricted his on-field action in 2025, limiting him to just two competitive appearances despite having already earned an India cap in T20 cricket. Even so, Lucknow Super Giants continued to back the Delhi pacer, retaining him ahead of last month’s IPL auction in a clear vote of confidence.

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Currently undergoing rehabilitation at the BCCI’s Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru, Mayank has reached a major milestone by bowling at close to full intensity. According to a BCCI source, he is operating at around 90 per cent effort and is managing a weekly bowling workload of 18 overs.

The source added that Mayank’s strength and conditioning levels have improved significantly, bringing him closer to the physical demands required of a high-pace fast bowler. If his progress continues without setbacks, he is expected to resume bowling at full intensity in the coming weeks, along with a gradual return to high-intensity fielding drills under close supervision.