Promising speedster Mayank Yadav, whose maiden IPL stint this year was cut short due to a side strain, is well on course to full fitness.

Unleashing thunderbolts over 150kmph consistently for Lucknow Super Giants, the 22-year-old right-arm quick took seven wickets from four appearances at an impressive economy rate (6.99). But, a side strain after playing three matches sidelined him for three weeks. His comeback lasted just one game — against Mumbai Indians in Lucknow on April 30.

Mayank was then found to have sustained an abdominal tear, which ruled him out of the remainder of IPL 2024.

Currently at the National Cricket Academy (NCA) in Bengaluru for his recovery, Mayank feels fitter and has resumed bowling with full run-up and intensity. “My recovery programme went very well and I feel much better now. I feel much fitter as well,” Mayank told The Telegraph.

He will have to remain at the NCA for a few more days, till he’s officially declared fit. “Yes, I’ll have to spend some more time here, but the good thing is, I’ve been bowling with the full run-up and a lot of intensity over the past few days.

“I’m happy with my progress so far,” Mayank said.

His spells of 3/27 against Punjab Kings — on IPL debut — in Lucknow and 3/14 against Royal Challengers Bengaluru in Bengaluru made him a sensation in the IPL. With his extra pace, movement and bounce even troubling players like Glenn Maxwell and Cameron Green, several experts, including former England pacer Stuart Broad, felt he should be present on the flight to Australia for the Test series in November.

The national selectors, too, seemed keen on Mayank’s inclusion for the tour Down Under. At this stage though, they prefer to give the young quick, who’s among the targeted players, a little more time to settle down properly instead of rushing him onto the biggest stage. At present, it appears the Duleep Trophy, beginning on September 5 in Anantapur, will mark Mayank’s return to competitive cricket.

“A young fast bowler like Mayank needs to be given the necessary amount of time to first cope with the needs of the different formats. So, he’s still being closely monitored. If he’s rushed into the Indian team, it’s a risk as that could lead to a breakdown.

“So, if needed, getting him ready for India could also begin next year. However, if he plays in the Duleep Trophy and does well, he may also be considered for the coming home series (against Bangladesh and New Zealand),” a BCCI official said.