Lucknow Super Giants All Set To Retain Mayank Yadav, Akash Deep To Be Released: Report | Cricket News

LSG have been accused of rushing Mayank Yadav and worsening his injury (Photo Credit: Sportzpics)

Lucknow Super Giants are all set to retain star pacer Mayank Yadav, despite the youngster being out of action for over six months now. While they will take the risk with Mayank, the franchise is set to release the likes of Akash Deep, Ravi Bishnoi and David Miller, according to a report in ESPNCricinfo.

As per the report, LSG are all set to retain the bulk of their core group, including Rishabh Pant, Nicholas Pooran, Aiden Markram, Mitchell Marsh and Ayush Badoni.

Among the bowlers who might be retained is mystery spinner Digvesh Rathi, Lucknow’s leading wicket-taker in his debut IPL season. The list is expected to feature India pacer Avesh Khan as well, uncapped batters Abdul Samad and Himmat Singh and India allrounder Shahbaz Ahmed.

Among the uncapped bowlers all set to stay are left-arm pacer Mohsin Khan, Akash Singh, Prince Yadav and M. Siddharth.

Mayank, who underwent back surgery after IPL 2025, was one of Lucknow’s biggest dilemmas during the retention process. The Delhi pacer, who earned his international debut in 2024 with his ability to hit the 150 kmph mark, had been one of three players Lucknow retained ahead of the 2025 mega auction for Rs 11 crore.

Despite winning two Player-of-the-Match awards in IPL 2024, Mayank featured in only two matches in the 2025 season before a back injury sidelined him.

Mayank, 23, is in rehab and, per the report, is all set to resume bowling soon. He is expected to reach around 85% bowling capacity by next February as he targets a full return for the IPL.

While his lack of game-time was a major concern for Lucknow, the think tank, Tom Moody (director of cricket), Justin Langer (head coach) and former India bowling coach Bharat Arun (head of talent), felt Mayank was worth retaining.

Bishnoi, 25, was signed by Lucknow ahead of IPL 2022 for Rs 4 crore as an uncapped player. In his debut season, he claimed 13 wickets at an economy of 8.44, helping Lucknow reach the playoffs.