Let’s face it—each IPL season brings with it a handful of breakout stars who become the catchphrase in every cricketing circle, and in IPL 2024, Mayank Yadav was that player. The Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) found a rough gem, and what a thrill it was to watch him steam in and hit 150 km/h as though it was a morning jog. But as the 2025 auction approaches and retention strategy discussions begin, LSG is faced with the ultimatum: Do they retain the services of Mayank Yadav or allow him to explore the auction pool?
Not an easy decision. Injuries, team combinations, and long-range plans are all at play in this game of chess for the future. Let’s explore this decision further.
India’s Speed Sensation: What Sets Mayank Yadav Apart
There is no doubt, Mayank Yadav has something very few Indian pacers possess: genuine pace. Although there are often too many high-speed deliveries in a league with a glut of overseas players, having a homegrown tearaway who can exceed 150 consistently is something else.
In IPL 2024, he played a handful of matches, instead of perhaps a more robust role due to his side-strain, however, it was in those brief moments that he still had batters quaking in their boots. He was breathing fire and providing LSG that one weapon that most don’t have in their arsenal, an express Indian pacer, which makes him a bona fide retention candidate all the more.
The only issue? Fitness. While speed kills, it also thrills… ligaments, by the look of it. His recurring injury concerns are sure to make any franchise hesitate before committing to retention for a player who could spend more time with the physio than on the pitch.
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The Bigger Picture: Team Composition and Auction Strategy
And this is where it gets interesting. LSG might have some retention troubles with KL Rahul, Nicholas Pooran, Marcus Stoinis, and Ravi Bishnoi being some great names to retain.
So, with IPL teams able to retain a maximum of four players before the big auction, LSG has some big decisions to make. Will Mayank make it in their top four? He could be a gamble if LSG believes in developing a long-term pace battery. If they are looking for more reliable players who perform consistently, he could be released to be bought again with the Right to Match (RTM) card.
This is the play several teams are accessing as we speak, release, then rebuy. Particularly players who have high potential but fitness issues. It’s a risk, but it could be good business if another team doesn’t overpay.
The Long Game: Is He LSG’s Future Face of Pace?
For now, let’s not think about the immediate auction context and think a little longer-term. In a country where pace like his is almost fictitious, developing a player like Mayank could be a game-changing bet. Consider how MI got behind Bumrah early and SRH developed Umran Malik before he was the name on everyone’s lips.
If LSG views Mayank as a linchpin of their bowling attack for the next 5-6 years, then retaining him would be a no-brainer. It is a vision. Sure, there might be a hit if he has an injury and misses a season or two, but there is also the possibility of you getting a potential superstar who wins you games by himself.
Cricket is not just a measure of potential—there’s also timing, trust, and sometimes just taking a chance on unbridled ability.
What would you do if you were in their shoes—retain the rocket or gamble on the rebuy? Leave your opinion in the comments and let’s discuss cricketing decisions!
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