Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) secured a 12-run victory over Mumbai Indians (MI) on their home turf. Following half-centuries from Mitchell Marsh and Aiden Markram, LSG fast bowlers performed admirably to defend the total of 203 against a struggling MI lineup. During the post-match presentation, LSG head coach Justin Langer shared that the team is set to receive a major boost as star pacer Mayank Yadav is ‘bowling at around 90 to 95 percent’.
“What I do know is he’s working very hard at the NCA, and I saw some video of him bowling yesterday [Thursday] and he was bowling at about 90 to 95%. So Mayank’s up and running, which is really great for Indian cricket, for IPL. We saw the impact he had last year. I don’t think there’s been a bowler in India who’s bowled faster than Mayank Yadav. That’s why there’s so much talk about him.” Langer said at the press conference.
Langer Credits NCA for Speedy Recovery of Injured LSG Pacers
Langer thanked the Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru for helping their injured pacers recover. LSG started the season with their bowling department weakened, as four of their pacers were out due to injuries. Although Shardul Thakur replaced Mohsin Khan, Avesh Khan and Akash Deep are presently playing for LSG.
“He’s up and eager to get started. He bowled impressively in Bengaluru yesterday at the NCA. I think a couple more sessions and hopefully he’ll be ready… Credit to the NCA — they’ve clearly done an excellent job, getting Avesh Khan back for us, and bringing Akash Deep back as well. We truly value the effort they’re putting in to get the boys back on the field, and now hopefully Mayank too,” Langer said.
On April 4, Deep made his debut for LSG, striking early by removing MI opener Will Jacks in his very first over. However, he came under pressure later when Naman Dhir took him on, smashing two boundaries and two sixes in a single over. Deep completed his full quota of four overs, conceding 46 runs. Meanwhile, there is still uncertainty regarding when Mayank will rejoin the LSG squad. The Rishabh Pant-led side is set to face Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) at Eden Gardens on April 8.
