Mayank Yadav Marks Stunning Comeback, Dismisses Rohit Sharma in LSG vs MI Clash

Lucknow Super Giants’ fast bowler Mayank Yadav made a notable comeback to competitive cricket by dismissing Rohit Sharma during their IPL clash against Mumbai Indians at the Wankhede Stadium.

After a lengthy injury break, Mayank was trusted with the new ball by captain Rishabh Pant and showed no signs of hesitation. His first over to Ryan Rickelton saw four balls clocking over 140 kmph.

Though Rickelton hit a boundary, Mayank’s pace and control impressed after nearly seven months on the sidelines.

Slower Balls Define Mayank’s Return

The highlight of Mayank’s comeback was evident in his second over. Making his first appearance in six months, Mayank bowled much slower than before.

He ended with figures of 4-0-40-2, opening the bowling in a T20 for only the second time in his career.

The standout feature was the number of slower balls — eight deliveries, the most he has bowled in a T20 match — showing a new dimension to his bowling arsenal.

Battle With Injuries and Rehabilitation

Mayank’s career has always been closely monitored due to his sheer pace, once touching 156.7 kmph. However, frequent injuries hampered his progress, limiting him to short-format cricket.

He missed the entire 2024-25 domestic season recovering from a back injury at the BCCI’s Centre of Excellence (CoE) in Bengaluru. Lucknow Super Giants head coach Justin Langer revealed that a minor toe injury delayed his return by “a week or two.”

Smart Adaptations on Display

Mayank clearly chose to ease himself back into competitive cricket. His quickest delivery on the night was 142.7 kmph — a pace that used to be his minimum earlier.

After being pulled for two sixes by Rohit Sharma in the third over, Mayank responded smartly by bowling a wide slower delivery that dismissed Rohit.

Despite conceding 13 runs in his second and 15 in his third over, he made a strong comeback later by bowling Hardik Pandya and tying up Suryakumar Yadav and Naman Dhir with slower balls. His final over went without conceding a boundary.

Experts Weigh In on Mayank’s Performance

Anil Kumble appreciated Mayank’s return, saying, “It’s going to take a while,” but called his performance “very impressive,” considering the quality of opposition and conditions at Wankhede.

Kumble praised Mayank’s ability to pick key wickets and effectively use variations despite the long break.

While Mayank’s early 140s speeds are respectable, maintaining effectiveness will now require greater accuracy and movement.

Naman Dhir, however, was dismissive, stating, “It’s just another bowler for me to face,” despite managing only two runs off four balls from Mayank.

No Thunderbolts, But a Steady Comeback

Unlike his debut season, where Mayank consistently bowled over 150 kmph and delivered a 156.7 kmph thunderbolt against RCB, there were no such fiery deliveries this time.

Last season, he played four matches, earned Player of the Match honors twice, and helped LSG win all those games. On Sunday, however, LSG lost to MI by 54 runs, their first defeat to Mumbai Indians in seven league meetings.

Last season, Mayank had impressive numbers — seven wickets in 12.1 overs, an economy rate of 6.98, and an average of 12.14.

His performance earned him an India cap and a fast bowler’s central contract. Unfortunately, injuries sent him back to rehab after the T20 series against Bangladesh.

Franchise’s Patience With Mayank

Lucknow Super Giants are taking a cautious approach with Mayank. Zaheer Khan, LSG mentor, said, “He got through the game, stayed on the field for 20 overs and bowled four overs,” adding that execution and speed would improve with more match practice.

Zaheer emphasized the need to create a comfortable environment for Mayank, acknowledging that frequent injuries could impact a player mentally.

The franchise had even considered using him as an Impact Player before finally fielding him on Sunday.