Mayank experienced the niggle during LSG’s 33-run victory over Gujarat Titans in Lucknow on Sunday night, and it will necessitate monitoring over the course of the week.
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“Mayank felt soreness in lower abdominal area and as a precaution we are managing his workload over the next week. We hope to see him soon on the field,” said Vinod Bisht, the CEO of the Super Giants in a statement.
The statement suggests that Mayank may also miss Lucknow Super Giants’ weekend game (April 14) against Kolkata Knight Riders at the Eden Gardens.
With Bisht refraining from making any commitments regarding Mayank’s return to action, the outlook doesn’t appear favourable for the injury-prone speedster. While missing one match seems inevitable, lower abdominal injuries typically require more time for recovery, especially for fast bowlers.
On Sunday night, Mayank walked off the field with LSG physio after bowling just one over against the Titans.
The ultra-quick pacer, who generally crosses the 150 kmph mark effortlessly, could barely go past 140 kmph in his lone over, fourth of the GT innings, in which he conceded 13 runs.
He did not return to the field for the rest of the night. At that time, his absence was attributed to a side strain.
After the match, LSG all-rounder Krunal Pandya had said that Mayank looked alright.
“I don’t know what is happening. I had a brief chat and he seemed okay, which is a positive. Whatever conversation I have had, whatever we see, he has a good head on his shoulder. Really excited to see how his career pans out,” Krunal said in the post-match presentation ceremony.
Mayank, who made his IPL debut against Punjab Kings in this IPL, had taken six wickets from two matches before limping out in the third game.
Legendary West Indian batter Brian Lara on Monday appreciated Mayank’s abilities but said the young turk needed to work closely with a senior pace like Jasprit Bumrah.
“He has to stay a step ahead. He’s got to learn. He’s got to talk to big bowlers like Jasprit Bumrah. He’s got to get as much information as possible, stay one step ahead. I think he’s got all the goods to become a great fast bowler,” Lara said in the Star Sports Press Room.
It must also be mentioned that Mayank has been able to play only one first-class game in two seasons since his senior debut and this season missed the entire Ranji Trophy tournament due to a side strain developed while bowling to a senior India player during personal net session before the start of the first-class season.
(With PTI inputs)
