In a big development for the Lucknow Super Giants, tearaway pacer Mayank Yadav has joined the squad ahead of their high-profile IPL 2025 clash against the Rajasthan Royals in Jaipur on Saturday. The 22-year-old has been out of action for nearly six months and will now undergo a series of fitness tests to determine his availability for the weekend fixture. According to a report in The Times of India, Mayank’s return was greenlit by the BCCI medical team after he completed a prolonged rehab stint at the Centre of Excellence (formerly National Cricket Academy) in Bengaluru. However, a final decision on his participation will rest with LSG’s head physio Ashish Kaushik, who will assess the pacer’s readiness for competitive cricket. Mayank’s last outing came during a T20I against Bangladesh in Hyderabad in late 2024. Since then, his progress was hampered by a back injury and an unfortunate toe infection caused by stubbing his foot. The Lucknow franchise confirmed his return with a social media video welcoming him back to the camp. ā” šššššš ā” ššššš ā” šš ā” šššš ā” pic.twitter.com/c0G5p3svMA — Lucknow Super Giants (@LucknowIPL) April 16, 2025 Mayank Yadav's return is much-needed for LSG Mayank’s return couldn’t have come at a better time for LSG, who currently sit fifth on the points table with four wins and three losses. With playoff spots up for grabs, the team will hope his raw pace can make a difference, provided he is declared match-fit. Also Read: Dube reveals what MS Dhoni told him during tense chase vs LSG That said, LSG are expected to be cautious. In the last two years, Mayank has suffered five stress fractures, and his short but impactful IPL 2024 run, where he consistently clocked over 150 km/h and hit a top speed of 156.7 km/h, was cut short after just four games due to a side strain. Later in 2024, he made his India debut in a three-match T20I series, only to be sidelined again. Given this history, LSG’s medical team is likely to manage his return with care, especially with the intensity of the tournament entering its second half.