Mayank is set to make his IPL 2026 return after over a year away due to injury, with LSG weighing his inclusion against in-form Avesh Khan.
Mayank's return to action has been anything but smooth, with injuries and extended rehab forcing him out for well over twelve months. Now, following a gradual ramp-up in training volumes, he is poised to return for the first time in the IPL during the 2026 season.
On the eve of LSG's clash with Royal Challengers Bengaluru, Mayank completed a bowling session at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium, engaging in a lengthy discussion with bowling coach B Arun before delivering a brief, intense burst at elevated pace. He wrapped up his evening routine with careful stretching and mobility exercises before heading back to the dressing room.
Tom Moody, the franchise's global cricket director, revealed that Mayank's absence in the early weeks of the campaign stemmed from match-readiness, not physical condition.
"Mayank is ready to go," Moody remarked on Tuesday. "He wasn't in our plans at the start because he was still slightly underprepared. Not in terms of fitness—his conditioning was fine—but in bowling workload and feeling at ease at the crease. We now believe he has reached that stage. He has trained with immense dedication. Still, it does present a selection dilemma since our bowling attack has been performing reliably, even if the batting hasn't consistently backed them up."
Mayank's potential inclusion could come at the cost of Avesh Khan, another LSG pacer returning from injury.
Avesh Khan, another pace option for LSG, has been working his way back from injury and was even loaned to Durban Super Giants in the SA20 to rebuild his rhythm ahead of the season. Though he has conceded runs at 10.40 per over so far, his experience remains a valuable asset that may secure him a place in certain matches throughout the year.
Moody acknowledged the challenges faced by the trio of Mayank, Mohsin Khan, and Avesh Khan, all of whom have dealt with extended layoffs.
"The likes of Mayank, Mohsin, and Avesh have all faced lengthy injury layoffs," he said. "Our medical staff has worked tirelessly to restore their fitness, and they are now all ready. Mohsin will likely face a final match-day assessment."
Despite missing the playoffs for two straight seasons, LSG has consistently uncovered fresh talent, with Mayank arriving in 2024 and Digvesh Rathi making an impact in 2025.
Ayush Badoni has been a steady middle-order presence for some time, even amid modest returns with the bat. This season has introduced Mukul, whose unbeaten 54 off 27 against Kolkata Knight Riders in just his third outing this year instantly catapulted him into the spotlight. Hitting a six off the second-last ball to tie the scores, followed by a frantic bye to clinch a tight victory, transformed him from relative obscurity to overnight fame in mere minutes.
Moody acknowledged the risks that come with overnight fame for young players like Mukul, emphasizing the importance of support and perspective.
"That's a trap for any young player," he noted. "Mukul has been well-supported within the franchise, and the team culture here is grounded. It's an environment where he will be carefully managed and nurtured. We're fully aware of how quickly things can escalate out of control for a young player after a single standout innings or a series of them. The media and public tend to sensationalize such moments. At the end of the day, he is a very humble and grounded young man, and that has been evident in his conduct since that innings. He has remained level-headed, measured, and continues to train with exceptional discipline—clear signs of his character. We have complete confidence that he will maintain his trajectory."