After LSG’s most recent IPL 2025 encounter, head coach Justin Langer addressed the media in a post-match press conference that took a surprising spin. Just as Langer took questions on the team’s opening performance, his phone started ringing, an unintentional distraction that set off chuckles throughout the media room. “Might be Mayank calling to say he’s ready,” he quipped, warming up the crowd before delving into the less jovial news.

Mayank Yadav’s Recovery

Perhaps the most exciting thing from that press conference was Langer’s positive news of young pace prodigy Mayank Yadav. Indeed, “He’s recovering really well. The medical team is happy with his progress, and we’re hopeful of seeing him back in the squad soon,” Langer said. Yadav, who raised eyebrows this season with his raw pace, had to withdraw at the last minute due to an injury. His comeback is suddenly looking pretty good.

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The Role of the National Cricket Academy (NCA)

One of the positives among the many difficulties surrounding the BCCI and Indian cricket was Langer’s commendation of the BCCI’s National Cricket Academy (NCA) in Bengaluru, where Mayank has been rehabilitating. We hope that the NCA is indeed a center of excellence. “The NCA is truly a center of excellence. Their facilities and expertise have been instrumental in Mayank’s recovery,” Langer noted. He went on to underscore the vital role of such infrastructure in making sure players come back not just sooner but better and fully ready to play. 

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A phone call in the middle of the press conference 📞

Good news on Mayank Yadav's recovery 📰

And the importance of National Cricket Academy (BCCI's COE) 👏

🎥 #LSG Head Coach, Justin Langer, has a field day at the post-match press conference 😊#TATAIPL | #LSGvMI pic.twitter.com/JAolaa5GTo

— IndianPremierLeague (@IPL) April 4, 2025

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If fit, Mayank’s return will be a massive boost for the Lucknow side, who will hope to build some momentum as the tournament progresses towards the business end of the season. His outstanding express pace and wicket-taking ability provide a much-needed edge to their bowling attack. 

With key players getting back to full fitness and the squad continuing to play in fits and starts, any supporter of LSG has plenty of reasons to be optimistic. Langer’s entertaining press conference didn’t just provide a comedic diversion, though; it instilled optimism. This is particularly true with Mayank Yadav’s return around the corner.