NEW DELHI: Young fast bowler
Mayank Yadav
's continued participation in the remainder of the IPL round-robin stage hangs in the balance following a suspected
abdominal muscle tear
suffered during the recent match against the Mumbai Indians.
This marks the second injury setback for the promising pace sensation from Delhi within the span of four weeks.
Amidst this setback, there's a silver lining for the 21-year-old cricketer.
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (
BCCI
) is reportedly preparing to offer him a
pace bowling contract
, alongside fellow talents Umran Malik, Vidwath Kaverappa, Vyshak Vijaykumar, Yash Dayal, and Akash Deep.
Under this contract, Mayank will come under the supervision of the
National Cricket Academy
's (NCA) Sports Science and Medical team. They will assume responsibility for managing his injury and overseeing his fitness regimen, a departure from his current arrangements with the IPL franchise Lucknow Super Giants.
"Mayank has a tear but it is more likely a grade 1 tear. It will be cutting it fine but in case LSG qualifies for the play-offs, he might just be able to play the knock-out games. But it is like hoping against hope and right now he is doubtful for the remaining IPL games," a BCCI source informed PTI on condition of anonymity.
Mayank Yadav made a spectacular entry onto the IPL stage, showcasing his talent with 155 km/h deliveries and earning consecutive 'Player of the Match' awards at the outset of the tournament. However, his fortunes took a downturn when he suffered an injury breakdown in the third match, sidelining him for four weeks.
His much-anticipated return against the Mumbai Indians on Tuesday seemed promising after passing fitness assessments. Yet, his comeback was short-lived as he was compelled to retreat to the dugout after bowling 3.1 overs, during which he conceded 31 runs.
Had Mayank been fit all this while, there was a possibility of him being a left-field selection in the
T20 World Cup
but right now, handling him with care is the primary job of the Indian cricket establishment.
"He will soon be handed a pace bowling contract and once he is in BCCI Pathways structure, his growth will be systematically monitored.
"The national selection committee and the Indian team management would like to gradually blood him and ensure that he can maintain peak fitness," the BCCI source added.
(With PTI inputs)
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