New Delhi: After almost a year, Lucknow Super Giants look set to welcome a bowler who made headlines in his debut Indian Premier League (IPL) season with his express pace.

Mayank Yadav, who enjoyed a breakout season in IPL 2024 and could play just two matches in IPL 2025 before being ruled out due to a back injury, is set to make a comeback to the big stage in Match 23 of IPL 2026 between LSG and Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) in Bengaluru on Wednesday.

Sidelined since May last year, Mayank has worked his way to fitness after intense rehabilitation and is finally set to make a mark after being declared match-ready by LSG Director of Cricket Tom Moody.

Mayank Yadav’s journey: From injury layoff to potential IPL 2026 comeback

The former Australian all-rounder confirmed that while Mayank was declared fit at the start of the season but was not ready to feature in a match. Moody revealed that the young bowler has worked his socks off to reach the required level of fitness and is ready to go against RCB.

LSG’s bowling power-up: How Mayank Yadav’s pace elevates the attack

“Mayank is ready to go. He didn’t come into our thinking early in the tournament because he was still a little underdone. Not from a fitness point of view, his fitness was good, but in terms of bowling loads and feeling comfortable. We feel he is now at that point. He has worked exceptionally hard,” said Moody ahead of the RCB clash.

Having worked extremely hard to get back to match fitness, Mayank would be raring to steal the limelight after a disappointing last season, where injury hampered his progress.

He attracted attention in his debut season with his tearaway pace. Mayank consistently bowled 150 kph and clocked 156.7 kph, the fastest ball of the season. He picked up seven wickets in his debut IPL season after starting the season in style with Player of the Match awards in his first two IPL games.

It will be interesting to see how LSG make room for the express fast bowler in the in-form bowling attack, which is yet to concede a 200+ total in the season. The Lucknow-based franchise’s bowling department currently boasts a fast bowling duo of Prince Yadav and Mohammad Shami, who have performed consistently in the team’s inconsistent season, which has started with two wins and as many losses.