Be Prepared for the Unpredictable: Zaheer Khan Discusses LSG's Injury Woes
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Synopsis
As the 2025 IPL season nears, the Lucknow Super Giants face significant challenges due to injuries within their pace attack. Mentor Zaheer Khan stresses the importance of adaptability in the unpredictable league environment while the team gears up for the season opener under Rishab Pant's leadership.
Key Takeaways
- Zaheer Khan emphasizes the need for teams to adapt to uncertainties in the IPL.
- Lucknow Super Giants are facing injury struggles ahead of the season.
- Mayank Yadav is recovering from a lumbar stress injury.
- Rishab Pant leads the team into the new season.
- The team aims to maintain a positive outlook amidst challenges.
Lucknow, March 19 (NationPress) As the 2025 Indian Premier League season approaches, the Lucknow Super Giants find themselves in a challenging predicament due to injuries affecting their key pace bowlers. Mentor Zaheer Khan emphasized that in the unpredictable landscape of the league, all teams must be prepared for such uncertainties.
Under the leadership of Rishab Pant, Lucknow will kick off their campaign at the ACAVDCA Cricket Stadium on March 24, while the timelines for the return of Mayank Yadav, Akash Deep, Mohsin Khan, and Avesh Khan remain uncertain.
“We can’t provide many details as our players are currently with the NCA. We are collaborating with them to monitor their progress. The situation is ever-changing; when discussing the IPL, teams must be ready for unforeseen events. We prepare for the season with a squad of 24 players, ensuring we field a playing XI that embodies the cricketing ethos we aspire to and secures victories. This is a positive team, and you will witness a favorable approach,” Zaheer mentioned during a press conference.
The most significant setback for the bowling lineup is the absence of pace sensation Mayank, who resumed bowling in nets on Monday. LSG is awaiting fitness clearance from the BCCI. The young pacer is recuperating from a lumbar stress injury at the Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru, where he has been undergoing rehabilitation after sustaining the injury during his India debut in the T20I series against Bangladesh last October.
According to previous reports, the pacer may miss the initial part of IPL 2025, but recent updates bring hope for an earlier return for Lucknow fans.
The 22-year-old showcased his remarkable pace exceeding 150 km/h during his debut IPL season last year, participating in only four matches and claiming seven wickets before an injury cut his campaign short. He also earned two consecutive Player of the Match awards in those four games.
With their bowling attack significantly weakened, the Lucknow franchise is expected to try and bridge the gap swiftly to avoid letting injuries disrupt the season's commencement. Amidst the uncertainty, Shardul Thakur and Shivam Mavi were observed practicing at the LSG nets.
“There isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution for every situation. Injuries need to be managed. We’re not focusing on injuries right now. Our priority is playing excellent cricket; we have a strong captain and a solid team. Rishabh Pant is a commendable player,” he added.
