New Delhi, June 2 (NationPress) The injured fast bowler Mayank Yadav is set to follow the path taken by Jasprit Bumrah to address his persistent back challenges. According to informed sources relayed to IANS, Yadav is anticipated to travel to New Zealand for surgical intervention regarding his troublesome back.

It has come to light that Dr. Rowan Schouten, a distinguished orthopedic spine specialist located in Christchurch, New Zealand, is expected to perform the surgery on Mayank. Dr. Schouten previously conducted surgeries on Bumrah and Prasidh Krishna in 2023, in addition to working with Australian bowlers Jason Behrendorff and James Pattinson.

Last year, he partnered with surgeon Grahame Inglis to operate on Australian all-rounder Cameron Green, who sustained a stress fracture in his lower back.

“Indeed, it’s confirmed that to address Mayank Yadav’s recurring back problems, he will embark on the same surgical journey as Bumrah. The procedures followed for Bumrah during and post-surgery will be mirrored for Mayank,” sources informed IANS.

“From what is apparent, this decision is quite sensible for the young athlete since it will significantly enhance his longevity as a fast bowler. Mayank has been briefed about this and is set to depart for New Zealand shortly. Following his surgery, he is expected to remain there for approximately 22 to 25 days to evaluate his rehabilitation and recovery process.”

“Given that the same doctor who operated on Bumrah will be performing the procedure, and was also consulted during Bumrah’s recovery from a back injury sustained in the Sydney Test, many key stakeholders in India believe that Mayank will not face recurrent injuries or back issues in the near future,” the sources added.

After making his debut for India in three T20Is against Bangladesh in October 2024, Mayank was sidelined from the 2024/25 domestic season due to a stress issue in his back. His anticipated return for the IPL 2025 with the Lucknow Super Giants was further delayed by a toe infection following an incident at home.

Upon joining the LSG camp on April 16, Mayank managed to play only two matches in IPL 2025 against the Mumbai Indians and Punjab Kings, where his speed was only in the 130s, compared to the high velocities he achieved last year. He had to rely on variations like slower deliveries and cutters.

After the tournament was momentarily suspended due to cross-border tensions between India and Pakistan, Mayank was ruled out of LSG’s campaign once more as his back injury recurred, leading the franchise to sign New Zealand pacer Will O’Rourke as his replacement.

With Mayank opting for the same recovery route as Bumrah for his lower spine back injury, there is hope that this promising young pacer will heal effectively and make a robust return to competitive cricket, potentially rejoining the Indian team soon.