Mayank Yadav couldn’t have asked for a better comeback into the Indian national cricket team. After nearly two years away from the international arena due to injuries, Mayank Yadav made an immediate impact against Zimbabwe in the first T20I at Harare Sports Club.
Thanks to a brilliant spell by the young fast bowlers, India defeated Zimbabwe by seven wickets and took a 1-0 lead in the ongoing three-match T20 series. The right-arm fast bowler took 2 wickets for just 18 runs in four overs and was named player of the match. Meanwhile, the schedule of Afghanistan T20 series on India’s tour of Bangladesh is yet to be decided as BCCI awaits government approval.
Hanuma Vihari says LSG is not the best place for Mayank Yadav after his return to Dream India
After his spectacular comeback, former Indian batsman Hanuma Vihari has made a bold comment on Mayank Yadav’s IPL future. He suggested that the youngster may need to leave Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) if he wants regular game time and remains in the selectors’ radar on a regular basis.
Mayank played only four matches in IPL 2026 after returning from injury. Vihari said talented players like him need constant opportunities to improve, and that seems impossible at LSG due to the IPL team’s fast bowling depth.
Loyalty factor will remain: Vihari
Hanuma Vihari said on his YouTube channel, “These guys should get more chances in the IPL. For example, Mayank Yadav missed out last season because LSG also had Prince Yadav, Mohsin Khan and Avesh Khan, so you can miss out. If he goes out of LSG, he will get more chances and he can play consistently.”
However, the former Indian batsman praised Lucknow Super Giants for standing by Mayank during the tough times, aiding his surgery and recovery. “So, definitely the loyalty factor will be there,” he said, hinting that it would not be easy for Mayank to leave LSG.
Hanuma Vihari praises Ashok Sharma despite going wicketless on debut against India
Vihari also praised Ashok Sharma, who failed to take a wicket and finished with figures of 0/29 from four overs on his debut in the first T20I against Zimbabwe. However, it was the raw pace of the Gujarat Titans fast bowler that impressed Vihari the most.
He further explained, “The thing with fast bowlers, which is a little different from batsmen, is that when you have express pace, the selectors notice you. It is very rare to have the quality to bowl at that pace. So, I am very happy for someone like Ashok Sharma as well. Even though he did not get a wicket on debut, the pace he generated is a good sign.”
Hanuma Vihari told why Mayank Yadav has become more dangerous now?
Talking about Mayank’s performance, Vihari felt that the young fast bowler might not be touching the 155 kmph pace seen during his early IPL days, but his bowling has improved significantly.
He told that Mayank has improved a lot in his “line and length”, which has made him more effective. Earlier, BCCI Vice President had broken his silence on the rumors of Rohit Sharma’s retirement.
Vihari signed off by saying, “If he maintains this level of consistency, he is definitely one for the future. If he maintains consistency in his line and length along with pace, he will be a real threat to any batsman; even quality batsmen will struggle.”