New Delhi: Prabhu Yadav was performing ‘Govardhan Parikrama’ in Mathura while his son, Mayank Yadav, more than 7,000 kilometers away at the Harare Sports Club, was throwing thunderbolts. The 24-year-old pacer, who made a comeback after two years, returned with 2 for 18. Also included a 149km/h drive in the first T20I against Zimbabwe, losing Brian Bennettwho gave India a scare with a stunning 97 in the T20 World Cup earlier this year.“Kaise daala? Maine toh match dekha tak nahi. Mai toh bas kal raat hi Mathura aa gaya tha, bas abhi Govardhan Bhagwaan ki parikrama kar ke waapis nikal raha hun (How did they use a bowl? I have never seen the game. I just came to Mathura last night. I have just completed Govardhan Bhagwan Parikrama and now I am returning),” he tells TimesofIndia.com from Mathura, Uttar Pradesh, after completing a 21 km cycle around Govardhan Hill.“Bas fit rahe, yahi maanga hai. Pichle do saal kaafi mushkil gaye hai bachhe ke ke (I have prayed for his strength and success. The last two years have been very difficult for the boy),” says Yadav Sr., taking a deep breath after a long journey.When Prabhu Yadav, who works at a factory in Okhla that makes sirens for ambulances and police cars, struggles to breathe after a grueling seven-hour walk, Yadav Jr.
Kyu mazak kar rahe ho sir?’ (Are you kidding me, sir?) Those were his words when I told him about his choice. He wasn’t expecting the call
Devender Sharma, Mayank Yadav’s coach
It has been a tough few years for Mayank Yadav. After impressing everyone with his pace during IPL 2024, he was sidelined for over a year due to heartbreak. But the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has not lost faith in the youngster. For the past two years, BCCI’s Center of Excellence (CoE) in Bengaluru has been his second home.“It was not easy for the boy. Frequent injuries hurt him physically and mentally,” shares Devender Sharma, who trained the speedster during his youth.“He was disappointed. But he worked hard. Every day, he gave his best. After every injury, rehabilitation is very important, and he finished hard. This has helped him to get back to where he is,” says Sharma.
Mayank Yadav (Pic credit: BCCI)
Devender remembers Mayank’s shock when he thanked him over the phone after he was selected for the three-match series against Zimbabwe.“‘Thank you sir?’ (Are you kidding me, sir?) Those were his words when I told him about his choice. He wasn’t expecting the call,” shares Devender.Mayank’s much-awaited IPL comeback did not go according to plan this year; he failed to take a single wicket in the four matches he played for Lucknow Super Giants (LSG), scoring 182 runs at an economy rate of 11.37.However, he was always in the order of things. He was selected in the India A team for the warm-up matches against USA and Namibia before the T20 World Cup. Later, he was among the seven players invited by Team India to New Chandigarh for the one-off Test against Afghanistan. In all three sessions of the net, Mayank bowled quickly with the red ball and was watched by bowling coach Morne Morkel.
At CoE, for the last year he has bowled close to 15 overs every day. His goal is to bowl 20 overs a day. He wants to become a Test cricketer from the next World Test Championship (WTC).
Devender Sharma Mayank Yadav’s coach
“Look, he is a special talent, and that’s why you see BCCI supported him. He was never disappointed. They showed faith in him,” says Sharma.Devender also shared what the youngster has been up to in the past year.“At CoE, for the last year he has been bowling close to 15 overs every day. His goal is to bowl 20 a day. He wants to be ready for Test Cricket from the next World Test Championship (WTC). He has been monitored very carefully by all the staff, and I hope that he will remain fit and return the faith that the team has shown in him,” says Sharma.
Mayank Yadav celebrates the wicket
Mayank’s mentor and former Delhi U-19 coach Narender Negi agrees with Devender’s reaction and shares details of the bowler’s injuries.“It’s not easy to go 145 kph all the time. He was also lucky because of injuries. First was a stress fracture in the back, then an ankle injury, followed by calf and knee injuries. It’s not easy to endure many obstacles,” says Negi.“People wrote him off and I think today he proved everyone wrong. Yes, it’s one game, but he’s definitely back,” added Negi.On Thursday, Mayank was consistently working in the mid-140s. He troubled the Zimbabwean batsmen with his sharp seam movement, sharp bounce and relentless pace. During the break, he admitted he was nervous before throwing his first ball.
First was a stress fracture in the back, then an ankle injury, followed by calf and knee injuries. It is not easy to endure so many obstacles
Narinder Negi Mayank Yadav’s mentor
“It always feels better when you come back and play for your country, especially when you have a spell like this. It’s a great feeling and I don’t think I can explain it well in words. Obviously there were some nerves. To come back after two years, there will always be pressure. There was fear in the middle,” he told the media.“After I took the wicket on the first ball, I was very calm. I felt confident that I would be able to deliver even if I came back after two years,” he added.
Mullanpur: Indian cricket coach Morne Morkel, right, interacts with Mayank Yadav during a pre-match cricket practice session in Afghanistan, in Mullanpur. (PTI/Atul Yadav photo) (PTI06_05_2026_000020B)
It has been a tough few years for the Delhi pacer. As his father says, he has never been at home, while his mother hopes that her son will be able to have a family after these issues.“Ab shayad kuch din ghar rahe (Hopefully, he will be home for a few days now),” says Mamta Yadav, Mayank’s mother.For Mayank, the wickets in Harare were more than just numbers on the cards, it was a run-gun that he must have enjoyed. It marked the end of a long, painful road full of injuries, rehabilitation and uncertainty. Uncompromising on pace, the Delhiite quickly gave himself the perfect opportunity to run the promising pace that made him one of India’s most exciting running prospects.
