Former West Indies fast bowler and top commentator Ian Bishop recently took to his ex-account to defend Lucknow Super Giants fast bowler Mayank Yadav from online criticism.
Yadav has a history of battling injuries, due to which he has been away from the field more than on the field. He first joined LSG in 2022 but did not play that season. In 2023, he was ruled out of the season entirely and had to wait until 2024 to make his debut.
Mayank Yadav’s dream debut in 2024
When he made his debut in IPL 2024, Mayank Yadav created waves by consistently hitting 150 kmph. His bowling alone was enough to win the match.
Yadav won the Player of the Match award in each of his first two IPL matches and became the first player to do so in IPL history.
Unfortunately, he was injured in his third match and was restricted to only four matches that season.
struggles with injury
Mayank Yadav’s injury struggles have been well documented. Even though he made his T20I debut in 2024, injuries have prevented him from becoming a mainstay in the team.
In IPL 2025, Mayank was limited to only two matches after being ruled out midway through the season due to a back injury. Due to his long injury, he could not play much cricket and his return was delayed.
Mayank Yadav failed in his comeback and faced criticism
Mayank Yadav’s much-awaited return to IPL got delayed. Yadav played two practice matches for India A during the T20 World Cup, against Namibia and USA respectively, but could not perform very well.
His return to the IPL was delayed until LSG’s 7th match of the season. He made a comeback against Rajasthan Royals in Lucknow, but could not play well.
Mayank conceded 56 runs in four overs, including 20 runs in the last over, as Rajasthan Royals scored 159 runs on a seaming and tricky pitch.
LSG’s other three fast bowlers together took 6 wickets and gave only 76 runs in 12 overs. Mayank’s figures proved to be the difference and LSG lost by 40 runs. This was LSG’s fourth consecutive defeat in IPL 2026.
This disappointing performance meant that he faced criticism from all sides on social media.
Also read: Ravindra Jadeja breaks silence on Riyan Parag not giving full quota of overs in IPL 2026
Bishop jumped to Yadav’s defence.
Ian Bishop took his X account and saved Yadav from criticism. He said all the negative comments were ‘horrible’.
Referring to Yadav’s 2023 injury, Bishop said the ‘kid’ ‘almost lost his career and livelihood at the age of 21.’ Bishop also said that the fact that he could bowl at 150 kmph after suffering a back injury last year was a miracle.
He urged fans to remain patient and pray for the 23-year-old player’s fitness. Bishop assured everyone that control would eventually come.
Read Bishop’s tweet here:
It is appalling to see negative comments about Mayank Yadav today. At the age of 21, the child almost lost his career and livelihood. Just seeing him playing again is a huge encouragement. The fact that it hit 150 kmph again is a miracle. Just pray for him to stay fit at the age of 23. control will come
– Ian Raphael Bishop (@irbishi) 23 April 2026
