Why is Mayank Yadav not playing today's LSG vs CSK IPL 2024 match?

Young Lucknow Super Giants fast bowler Mayank Yadav is not part of the team's squad for their IPL 2024 match against Chennai Super Kings at the Ekana Cricket Stadium in Lucknow on Friday, April 19.

The 21-year-old Mayank made his IPL debut in the match against Punjab Kings in Lucknow on March 30. He impressed with his extra pace and came up with a match-winning performance, finishing with figures of 3-27. The right-arm pacer was outstanding in LSG's next match against Royal Challengers Bengaluru as well, claiming 3-14.

The injury-prone fast bowler, though, left the field after bowling just one over in the match against Gujarat Titans on April 7 in Lucknow due to soreness in his lower abdomen area. Mayank missed Lucknow Super Giants' next two matches against Delhi Capitals and Kolkata Knight Riders, both of which LSG lost by six wickets and eight wickets respectively.

At the pre-match press conference ahead of the LSG vs CSK IPL 2024 clash, Lucknow assistant coach Lance Klusener said:

"I am not sure regarding his participation in tomorrow's (Friday) match against Chennai. He has been bowling in the nets but his fitness is our priority. But can't say anything regarding his participation."

There were some encouraging signs with regard to the fast bowler, as Lucknow Super Giants' X handle shared a video of him resuming bowling in the nets on April 17. The clip was shared with the caption:

"Phir se udd chala" [Flying again]

Following his exploits in his first two matches of IPL 2024, there were talks about him being fast-tracked into the national side for the T20 World Cup. However, in the wake of his latest injury issue, the selectors will be extra careful with regard to considering his case for the ICC tournament.

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"You cannot have a knee-jerk reaction and pick him in the World Cup" - Tom Moody on Mayank Yadav

Some former cricketers and fans reckon Mayank might be a good choice for India's T20 World Cup, but he has only played a handful of games.

However, former Australian all-rounder Tom Moody feels that the selectors mustn't have a knee-jerk reaction. He advised them to groom Mayank for the 2026 World Cup.

“I've loved what I saw for a first couple of games, it was quite extraordinary to the point you want to see the replays of that game. But you cannot have a knee-jerk reaction and pick him in the World Cup, when he has only played two games and got injured,” Moody told ESPNCricinfo.

“You don't really know what he's capable of doing over a long period of time, under pressure and in different roles. Yes, he's an absolute lock for the future, and look after the asset. For me, it's the 2026 World Cup you should be looking at," Moody concluded.

Mayank, who represents Delhi in domestic cricket, has played one first-class match, 17 List A games and 13 T20s.