IPL 2024: ‘Mayank Yadav is fit’ ahead of Lucknow Super Giants’ match against Mumbai Indians

LSG bowling coach Morne Morkel confirmed that Mayank has passed all fitness tests on Monday ahead of the match at Ekana Cricket Stadium.

LSG’s Mayank Yadav during the IPL 2024. | Photo Credit: MURALI KUMAR K / The Hindu

Lucknow Super Giants bowling coach Morne Morkel confirmed that Mayank Yadav will be in the squad for the side’s Indian Premier League match against Mumbai Indians on Tuesday.

“Mayank is fit. He has passed all his fitness tests. We’re excited to have him back in the squad and the potential 12 for tomorrow,” said Morkel on the eve of the contest.

The South African also demanded better decision-making from his team after its defeat against Rajasthan Royals on Saturday. A key point of discussion after the loss was Ravi Bishnoi bowling only one over in the innings.

“Tactically, our decision-making at times let us down. We took the learnings from that. There was a certain game plan for Bishnoi against certain batters and unfortunately, those guys did not get the opportunity to bat. From a captaincy point of view, we were holding him back. We need to take that on the chin. We got that wrong,” said Morkel.

The former quick called for his bowling unit to embrace the mental challenge of playing on batter-friendly strips. 

“You are going to be under pressure for all 24 balls. But the way the batters are playing, there will be opportunities to pick wickets also. If we’re honest, maybe the game has changed. The expectations on a bowler [should change too]. You might go for 44 runs in your four overs and that’s a good result.

“But how can you take the game deeper with the ball in your hand, fight for every ball, and allow yourself to win? For me, it’s a mindset game,” said Morkel.

Lucknow is currently fifth in the standings and in contention for a playoffs spot. Mumbai Indians, however, needs to win its remaining games to advance. Off-spinner Kumar Kartikeya said the team backed itself to chase the top four.

“We do not have pressure. We have been in similar situations before. Last year, we had to win many games in the end to qualify and we did it. So, we’re pretty positive that we can still make it. The ups and downs are a part of cricket. We are focused on how we can improve,” Kartikeya said.