(Credit IPL)
The BCCI unveiled the squad for the upcoming Zimbabwe tour, highlighting promising IPL 2024 performers. Despite his reputation for fiery pace, 22-year-old Mayank Yadav was notably absent from the selection, surprising many given his consistent displays exceeding 155 kmph during the tournament.
Mayank Yadav, the promising fast bowler from the Lucknow Super Giants, has garnered attention with his impressive performance in the IPL, despite being sidelined by a side strain. In just four matches, he managed to take seven wickets with a remarkable average of 12.14 and an economy rate of 6.98.
Despite his IPL heroics, the BCCI and the national selection committee opted not to include Mayank Yadav in India’s upcoming five-match T20I series in Zimbabwe. This decision has sparked curiosity and raised eyebrows among cricket enthusiasts.
Sources familiar with the situation have indicated that Mayank Yadav is currently undergoing rehabilitation at the National Cricket Academy (NCA). Alongside nine other young talents, he is under close supervision by BCCI staff. Reports suggest that he has been steadily progressing, bowling at 80-90% of his capacity.
However, despite his recovery progress, the NCA has advised against rushing him back for the Zimbabwe tour. The cautious approach aims to avoid risking further injury to Yadav and to ensure he is fully prepared for upcoming commitments, including the Sri Lanka tour and the upcoming red-ball season.
Thus, while Mayank Yadav’s exclusion from the Zimbabwe tour has surprised many, it appears to be a strategic decision aimed at prioritizing his long-term fitness and readiness for future international challenges.
BCCI source was quoted as saying by TOI: “Mayank is still bowling at 80–90%. It will be tough for him to be rushed into the team for the Zimbabwe tour. He is being prepared for a Sri Lanka tour followed by a red-ball season.”
There’s speculation that Indian selectors might be leaning towards Mayank Yadav for Test cricket, valuing his raw pace as a potential asset. Reports previously hinted that the BCCI sees him as a contender for the Border-Gavaskar Trophy series later this year.
Mayank Yadav could be in line for a Test debut in the near future. Following the Zimbabwe tour, India is set to visit Sri Lanka for a series that includes three ODIs and three T20Is, likely featuring their strongest ODI squad.
Looking ahead, India’s schedule is packed with 9 to 10 Test matches upcoming, including potentially four or five matches at home against Bangladesh and New Zealand, followed by a significant five-match series against Australia.
Given this schedule, Yadav might be held back for red-ball cricket. Alongside him, other notable exclusions from India’s 15-member squad for the Zimbabwe tour include Tilak Varma, Varun Chakravarthy, Rajat Patidar, Yash Dayal, and Harshit Rana.
