LUCKNOW, Oct. 25 -- Promising young Indian pacer Mayank Yadav is all set to be released by the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) for the next season of the cash-rich Indian Premier League as his ongoing rehabilitation at the BCCI's Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru is likely to take 6-8 more months, making him unavailable almost for half of the new season. If sources are to be believed, LSG is also expected to release David Miller, Arshin Kulkarni and Shamar Joseph. Miller failed to live up to his reputation of being a destructive finisher in IPL 2025 as the South African managed to score just 153 runs in 11 matches at a strike rate of 127.49. The 20-year-old Kulkarni warmed the bench throughout IPL 2025 despite having immense all-round potential. In 2024, he played just 2 games for LSG. The team would rather release him and allow him to find another team who could utilise his potential more efficiently. Likewise, Caribbean pacer Joseph was the only overseas bowler that LSG had before they named William O'Rourke as an injury replacement. However, Joseph never got a game in IPL 2025. November 15 is the deadline for teams to decide on their retention and releases before IPL 2026. A mini-auction will then follow and is scheduled to be held in the December 13-15 window. As far as Mayank is concerned, the bowler has been battling injury challenges since his rapid rise in Indian domestic and IPL cricket. Despite his electrifying pace, regularly hitting speeds above 150 km/h and earning back-to-back Player of the Match awards in IPL 2024, his career momentum was repeatedly halted by recurring back injuries. Mayank's injury woes began seriously in 2024, following which he was side-lined for extended periods. He suffered a side strain that ruled him out of most of the IPL 2024 season despite a stellar start. After showing potential with six wickets in four matches at an average of 12.14, his run was cut short by this physical setback. The injury also prevented him from playing consistently in longer formats, limiting him primarily to T20 games. In early 2025, Mayank resumed rehabilitation at NCA in Bengaluru, aiming for a return in the IPL 2025 season. However, he faced delays due to further complications, including a toe injury with infection, pushing back his comeback plans. And when he returned to the field in April 2025, he appeared noticeably slower in pace, with his fastest deliveries clocking around 142.7 km/h compared to his previous 156.7 km/h, and he relied on craftier slower balls as part of his comeback strategy. His IPL 2025 season was further disrupted when he injured his back again after just two matches. Recognising the severity, Mayank travelled to Christchurch, New Zealand, in June 2025 to consult leading medical specialists. These specialists, including Dr Rowan Schouten-who had successfully treated Jasprit Bumrah in 2023-performed back surgery on him targeting his lumbar vertebra issues. The surgery was crucial due to recurring lumbar stress fractures and other back complications that jeopardised his fast bowling career. "BCCI has emphasised not rushing his rehab, prioritising a full recovery to preserve his long-term career potential rather than hastening a return to competitive cricket," said a source, adding, "LSG also has plans to change the colour of its jersey for the new season."...