‘Feel much better, feel much fitter’ - Mayank Yadav ready to return but won’t be rushed

Ace pacer Mayank Yadav impressed the fans with his raw pace during IPL 2024. So much so, that there were talks of him making it to India’s T20 World Cup squad. However, a side strain injury during the tournament changed things as he failed to recover on time. Nevertheless, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is keeping a close eye on the pacer and is monitoring his growth.

Given the fact that he can over 150 kmph, the officials are taking extra care of the pacer and are in no mood to rush him back into action. He is currently at the National Cricket Academy (NCA) and the doctors and physios present there are working on his fitness and diet plans to prolong his career. As things stand, the 22-year-old has started bowling in the nets and is feeling much better and fitter.

“My recovery programme went very well and I feel much better now. I feel much fitter as well. 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 told The Telegraph.

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Mayank needs to be given necessary time to first cope with needs of different formats: BCCI official

The BCCI and the selectors are keen on introducing Mayank Yadav to international cricket later in the year. With Bangladesh and New Zealand scheduled to travel to India for the Test series, the officials are trying to test Mayank and if he succeeds, the pacer may travel with the squad for the upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Australia. As things stand, Mayank will return to domestic cricket in September for the Duleep Trophy. However, one of the BCCI officials clarified that they are not willing to risk him at all.

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“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 said.

“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),” he concluded.