Former India spinner Mayank Yadav’s return to international cricket couldn’t have gone any better Ravichandran Ashwin Believe that the young fast bowler deserves to be patient after overcoming a difficult period with injuries. Playing his first international match since October 2024, Mayank announced his comeback in style during the opening T20I against Zimbabwe in Harare. The fastest player created a match-winning spell by taking a wicket off the first ball of the match and was adjudged Man of the Match. Mayank removed Brian Bennett with a long delivery that straightened and forced the outside edge safely behind the stumps. He continued to test Zimbabwe’s batsmen with his pace and discipline, dismissing Dion Miles in the powerplay to put the hosts under immediate pressure. His spell laid the foundation for India’s bowling dominance. The performance marked a significant moment in the Pacer’s career after an injury-plagued period hampered his meteoric rise. Mayank was initially fast-tracked into the Indian squad as part of the team’s long-term plans for the 2026 T20 World Cup, but has struggled with recurring health issues over the past two years that have repeatedly hampered his progress. While speaking in ‘Ash ki Baat’, Ashwin Reflected on the challenges of recovering from multiple injuries and urged fans not to be too quick to judge players. “It’s not easy to go through a stress fracture when you’re young. We often see and think, why is he always retained? He’s always injured. We can see that easily. No player gets injured. Injuries can be very painful. It’s not just a physical thing, it’s a mental hurdle, especially if you get injured twice. It’s not easy on the body. If it comes up again, it will be in the back of your mind. Mayank Yadav has a lot of time and is very talented. I hope he plays more games,” he said in “Ash ki Baat”. Ashwin also acknowledged India’s convincing start to the series and congratulated the new T20I captain Shreyas Iyer Securing his first victory as captain. “Congratulations to Shreyas for his maiden win. He would have been in search of victory. When you restrict Zimbabwe’s field to just over 120, there is nothing to see. Mayank, Prince and Ashok all got their chances,” he said. Mayank’s impressive return not only restores India’s pace options but also reinforces why he is still regarded as one of India’s most exciting fast bowling prospects even after full recovery.
