"My recovery program went very well and I feel much better now" - Mayank Yadav on his return to full fitness after injury-ravaged IPL season
Emerging speedster Mayank Yadav is on course to attain full fitness following rehabilitation at the National Cricket Academy (NCA) in Bengaluru. The right-arm pacer had a breakthrough 2024 Indian Premier League (IPL) season with the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) despite only making a handful of appearances.
He made an instant impression with his ability to consistently bowl well over the 150 kmph mark. A side strain followed by an abdominal tear cut Mayank's IPL season well short, but he made his case in the limited opportunities he availed. Recognizing his rare ability to bowl at express pace without compromising on line and length led him to be included in the BCCI Pace Bowling Contract list.
He was expected to be included in the ongoing tour of Zimbabwe, but his injury prevented a maiden call-up. The speedster is reportedly on the selectors' radar for the upcoming white-ball tour of Sri Lanka, provided he recovers from his injury and is match-fit.
“My recovery program went very well and I feel much better now. I feel much fitter as well. Yes, I’ll have to spend some more time here, but the good thing is, I’ve been bowling with the full run-up and a lot of intensity over the past few days. I’m happy with my progress so far," Mayank Yadav told Telegraph India.
The youngster, who missed the previous season due to injury, played four matches in the 2024 edition, picking up seven wickets at an economy of just 6.99.
Selectors view 2024 Duleep Trophy as an ideal avenue for Mayank Yadav's return
Mayank Yadav has a complicated history with injuries, and the selectors will not wish to jeopardize the prospect by rushing him back, that too way earlier than necessary. Instead of casting him in the international arena straightaway, a brief return to the domestic circuit is being considered as a better path for the pacer.
With India having some important assignments in the second half of the year, in the form of a home season and a tour of Australia, the speedster could be saved for the same.
“A young fast bowler like Mayank needs to be given the necessary amount of time to first cope with the needs of the different formats. So, he’s still being closely monitored. If he’s rushed into the Indian team, it’s a risk as that could lead to a breakdown," a BCCI official told Telegraph India.
“So, if needed, getting him ready for India could also begin next year. However, if he plays in the Duleep Trophy and does well, he may also be considered for the coming home series (against Bangladesh and New Zealand),” the official added.
Mayank Yadav represents Delhi in the domestic circuit, having played the Vijay Hazare Trophy for the side in late 2023.