Mayank Yadav (Screengrab/X)

Lucknow Super Giants are set to take on Royal Challengers Bengaluru at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in what promises to be a high-octane IPL clash, with a potential major boost in the form of pace sensation Mayank Yadav’s return.The young speedster, who has been sidelined due to injury, is likely to be back in contention, and his comeback could add serious firepower to LSG’s already impressive bowling attack. On the eve of LSG’s match against Royal Challengers Bengaluru, Mayank spent some time doing spot bowling at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium, before having a long conversation with bowling coach B Arun as reported by ESPNcricinfo. The franchise’s Global Director of Cricket, Tom Moody, clarified that Mayank’s absence earlier in the season was not due to fitness concerns but a matter of match readiness.“Mayank is ready to go,” Moody said. “He didn’t come into our thinking early in the tournament because he was still a little underdone. Not from a fitness point of view, his fitness was good, but in terms of bowling loads and feeling comfortable. We feel he is now at that point. He has worked exceptionally hard.”While Mayank’s return is a positive, it also presents LSG with a selection dilemma. Their bowling unit has performed consistently so far, even though the team has struggled to put up competitive totals.“Our bowling has been pretty solid so far. We just haven’t produced the runs to support that,” Moody added.If Mayank is included in the playing XI, it could come at the expense of fellow pacer Avesh Khan, who is also returning from injury. Avesh had a preparatory stint with Durban Super Giants in SA20 to build up his workload ahead of the IPL season. Though he has been slightly expensive, conceding runs at over 10 per over, his experience remains a valuable asset for the team.Moody also confirmed that LSG’s pace battery is close to full strength, with Mohsin Khan nearing a return as well.“The likes of Mayank, Mohsin and Avesh have all had long-term injuries. Our medical team has worked exceptionally hard to get them ready. They’re all available now. Mohsin will probably have a final test on match day,” he said.As LSG gear up to face an in-form RCB side at a batting-friendly venue, the possible return of Mayank Yadav could be a game-changer, adding pace, excitement, and a fresh edge to their campaign.

Former India captain Kris Srikkanth has raised concerns over Kolkata Knight Riders’ continued support for Rinku Singh, suggesting that the batter has not lived up to expectations and is still riding the wave of his five consecutive sixes that brought him fame in the Indian Premier League. Srikkanth’s remarks followed KKR’s 32-run defeat to Chennai Super Kings in Chennai on Tuesday, where they struggled to chase a target of 192 on a competitive Chepauk wicket.

Highlights | Scorecard |

Srikkanth expressed doubts about Rinku Singh’s suitability for the No. 5 position, questioning his ability to construct lengthy innings. The former selection committee chairman described KKR’s batting line-up as the weakest in the league.

“Rinku Singh is not an explosive player. He hit five sixes in five balls ages ago, and we keep talking about that. He is adept at rotating the strike, but he can struggle when the required run rate exceeds 10 or 12. He can’t do it,” Srikkanth stated on his YouTube show on Tuesday.

“He is more suited for the No. 7 position as a finisher. He can perform when 50 runs are needed off 5 overs. Rinku shouldn’t be tasked with batting at No. 5 to build an innings. It won’t work,” he added, noting that Rinku has been playing the finisher’s role for the senior national team as well.

During Tuesday’s match, Rinku Singh came to bat when KKR were at 79 for 3 in the 10th over. After losing Angkrish Raghuvanshi for 27, captain Ajinkya Rahane, who was also struggling, needed an accelerating partner. However, Rinku struggled and was dismissed by Noor Ahmed after scoring just 6 off 12 balls, marking another disappointing performance.

KKR’s innings faltered further to 90 for 6 before Rovman Powell (31) and Ramandeep Singh (35) attempted a recovery. Their 63-run partnership only managed to reduce the margin of defeat.

Rinku, who became a sensation after hitting Yash Dayal for five sixes in an over against Rajasthan Royals in 2023, has not been able to replicate that success. In the 2023 season, he scored 474 runs in 14 matches, but since then, he hasn’t surpassed the 220-run mark. In the ongoing IPL 2026, the left-handed batter has managed just 78 runs in five matches.

TIME TO DROP FINN ALLEN?

The KKR management is under pressure as captain Rahane and vice-captain Rinku have failed to galvanize the team, which remains winless after five matches and is at the bottom of the points table.

Srikkanth also suggested that KKR might consider moving past Finn Allen, as the New Zealand opener has struggled after an impressive T20 World Cup campaign. Allen has accumulated only 81 runs in five matches, failing to provide the much-needed spark at the top of the order. He has been consistently dismissed while attempting to hit deliveries to the leg side, resulting in top-edges and outside-edges.

“The key issue with their batting is that none of their batters, except Angkrish Raghuvanshi, have shown intent,” Srikkanth commented.

“This is when Finn Allen should make an impact. However, he is struggling more than anyone. He is swinging wildly, more than I did in my days. This approach won’t work. He has been dismissed playing the same shot in the last five matches. I think that is it for him. Tim Seifert will replace him,” he added.

Time is running out for Rahane and KKR, as they appear to be the season’s weakest team. With little time to reassess their strategy, KKR will face the in-form Gujarat Titans in Ahmedabad on Friday before hosting Rajasthan Royals on Sunday.

IPL 2026 | IPL Schedule | IPL Points Table | IPL Player Stats | Purple Cap | Orange Cap | IPL Videos | Cricket News | Live Score

– Ends