Lucknow Super Giants’ pacer Mayank Yadav, making a comeback in the IPL 2026 after a year-long injury break, received backlash online for his performance. However, former West Indies fast bowler Ian Bishop defended Yadav, denouncing the negative comments. Yadav, aged 23, returned to professional cricket after 353 days, playing against the Rajasthan Royals at the Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ekana Cricket Stadium.
Battling recurring back issues, Yadav missed significant parts of the last two IPL seasons. In IPL 2025, he sat out the first half and played only two games before undergoing back surgery in New Zealand, keeping him out for almost a year. Bishop expressed shock at the criticism towards Yadav, highlighting the challenges the young player faced at a tender age. He emphasized the significance of Yadav’s return to the field and his ability to clock speeds of over 150kph.
Despite showcasing his pace by touching 150kph and bowling aggressively, Yadav struggled in the match, conceding 20 runs in the final over to Ravindra Jadeja. Jadeja’s onslaught led to Yadav being the most expensive bowler among his team, with figures of 0-56 from four overs. The Rajasthan Royals, led by Jadeja’s performance, secured a 40-run victory over Lucknow Super Giants.
Lucknow Super Giants, after a disappointing loss, will now prepare to face Kolkata Knight Riders in their upcoming match on Sunday evening.
