Mayank Yadav opens up about Duleep Trophy snub
Mayank Yadav, a fast bowler for the Lucknow Super Giants, has been away from competitive cricket since April due to an ongoing lower abdominal strain. The injury first appeared in the early stages of the Indian Premier League 2024 and resurfaced after a match against Mumbai Indians on April 30. Since then, Yadav has been undergoing intensive rehabilitation at the National Cricket Academy (NCA) in Bengaluru.
Yadav's exclusion from key tournaments raises questions
Yadav's future in cricket has been cast into doubt after he was not selected for the Duleep Trophy and chose to withdraw from the inaugural Delhi Premier League (DPL). His coach at Sonnet Club, Devendra Sharma, revealed that Yadav is following a rigorous training regimen at the NCA. Rajinikanth Sivagnanam, a strength and conditioning coach with experience working with injured cricketers, is closely monitoring his progress.
Yadav's training regimen and Duleep Trophy exclusion explained
Sharma detailed Yadav's daily routine at the NCA, which includes bowling sessions, rehabilitation exercises, and net practice. The 22-year-old bowls eight to 10 overs daily as part of his recovery process. When asked about his absence from the Duleep Trophy squads, Yadav responded that he was advised against overexerting himself and to focus on white-ball cricket for now.
Sekar highlights Yadav's technique as injury risk
T.A. Sekar, a former Indian fast bowler and current coach, pointed out that Yadav's bowling technique could make him more prone to injuries. He stated that anyone who bowls at speeds of up to 156km/h is naturally more susceptible to injuries. Sekar emphasized the need for Yadav to adjust his technique in order to reduce this risk.
Sekar underscores Yadav's potential amid injury setbacks
Despite his injuries, Sekar acknowledged Yadav's potential and the need for him to gain more experience. He noted that it would be unwise to rush him into a Test match where he could risk further injury. Recent images of Yadav bowling to Yashasvi Jaiswal during match-playing scenario sessions in Bengaluru have sparked hope for his return to competitive cricket soon.
Sharma and Sekar express optimism for Yadav's return
Sharma expressed optimism about Yadav's recovery, stating that he is currently bowling and could be considered for future teams. Sekar also shared this sentiment, suggesting that if Yadav returns to action for the first phase of the Ranji Trophy in October, he might have a slim chance of being selected for the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. However, he emphasized that consistent performances in red-ball matches are crucial for consideration.
