Mayank Yadav placed in special camp in NCA ahead of Bangladesh T20Is - Reports
Emerging Indian speedster Mayank Yadav has been enrolled in a special camp at the National Cricket Academy (NCA) after returning to full fitness. According to a report by the Times of India, the selectors view him as a viable candidate for the upcoming T20I series against Bangladesh, beginning on October 6.
Mayank made an instant impression with this breakthrough campaign for the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) during the 2024 Indian Premier League (IPL). Although he played only a handful of matches before being ruled out for the season due to injury, his ability to breach the 150kmph mark consistently impressed one and all.
Since then, he has been struggling with a side strain issue that has put his transition into the national side on hold, missing out on the white-ball tours of Zimbabwe and Sri Lanka during recovery.
"Mayank hasn't complained of any pain over the last month or so. He is bowling full tilt at the NCA. The selectors are interested to see how ready he is for international cricket. With the long Test season ahead, the selectors are keen on trying new faces for the T20Is against Bangladesh," a BCCI source told the Times of India.
The special camp that Mayank Yadav is placed in includes the likes of Riyan Parag, Hardik Pandya, and Abhishek Sharma.
"India head coach Gautam Gambhir and bowling coach Morne Morkel rate Mayank highly since their time at Lucknow Super Giants" - BCCI source
The Indian team management has high hopes for Mayank Yadav and rates him highly. However, the management is aware of how Mayank's ability makes him susceptible to injuries. To counter such issues upon his return from injury, the NCA team has reportedly charted a roadmap for Mayank to follow ahead of his comeback.
The selectors may also consider including Mayank in the squad for the upcoming Test series against New Zealand. The right-arm pacer has only played one first-class match in his career and is yet to be cleared to play Ranji Trophy for Delhi in the upcoming domestic season.
"Mayank is bowling close to 20 overs with the white ball in three separate spells in a day. There is a strong chance of selectors picking him for the Bangladesh series after seeing him in the camp at NCA. Agarkar is slated to travel to Bengaluru to attend the inauguration of the new NCA," the source said.
The selectors don't want him to be restricted to just the T20 format. Therefore, they want to carefully monitor his progress. India head coach Gautam Gambhir and bowling coach Morne Morkel rate Mayank highly since their time at Lucknow Super Giants," the source concluded.
Gautam Gambhir was not part of the LSG coaching setup when Mayank Yadav made his IPL debut, but he was part of the auction table when the franchise roped him for his base price at the 2022 mega auction.
A second-string side led by Suryakumar Yadav devoid of red-ball players is expected to be announced for the three-match series against Bangladesh.