India’s exciting pace prospect Mayank Yadav is making encouraging progress in his recovery after nearly a year away from regular competitive cricket. The 23-year-old, who grabbed headlines with his express pace during IPL 2024, has been sidelined for most of 2025 due to a lower back stress fracture.

The injury limited Mayank to just two competitive appearances last year, despite him already earning an India T20 cap. However, his potential has not gone unnoticed. Lucknow Super Giants retained the Delhi pacer ahead of the recent IPL auction, signalling strong faith in his long-term value.

Currently undergoing rehabilitation at the Board of Control for Cricket in India’s Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru, Mayank has crossed a key milestone. According to a BCCI source, he is bowling at close to 90 per cent intensity and handling a controlled weekly workload of around 18 overs.

The source added that Mayank’s strength and conditioning levels have improved significantly, bringing him closer to meeting the physical demands of sustained high-pace bowling. If his recovery continues without setbacks, he is expected to resume full-intensity bowling in the coming weeks, followed by a phased return to high-intensity fielding drills under close medical supervision.

For Indian cricket, Mayank’s return would be a timely boost, with selectors keeping a close eye on fast-bowling depth as the team prepares for a packed international calendar ahead.