Former Indian off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin praised fast bowler Mayank Yadav after the first T20 match of the three-match series against Zimbabwe. Ashwin said that recovering from a stress fracture is a physical and mental challenge for a fast bowler at a young age.
Mayank made his return to international cricket in the first T20I against Zimbabwe at the Harare Sports Club on Thursday, 23 July. After being out for almost two years due to lumbar stress fracture, side strain and hamstring injuries, Mayank made a comeback to international cricket. The fast bowler made his comeback with a player of the match performance.
I want him to play more – Ravichandran Ashwin
Speaking on his podcast ‘Aish Ki Baat’, Ravichandran Ashwin opened up on Mayank Yadav not playing matches. He spoke about the physical and mental suffering young athletes endure during rehabilitation, and urged fans to understand the difficulties of overcoming serious stress fractures.
Ashwin said, “It is not easy to go through a stress fracture at a young age. We often look at him and think why is he always retired? He is always injured. We easily tell this. No player plays to get injured. Injuries can be very painful.”
“It is not just physical but also a mental hurdle, especially if you have been injured twice. It is not easy on the body. If it crops up again, it plays into your mind. Mayank Yadav has got a lot of time and he is exceptionally talented. I want him to play more.”
Mayank Yadav suffered several physical setbacks ahead of this series, including a lumbar stress fracture, lower back spasms, side strain and a hamstring tear. Lucknow Super Giants backed the 24-year-old fast bowler by retaining him for the last two seasons.
Mayank Yadav shines on international comeback
Mayank Yadav made a dream comeback in the series opener against Zimbabwe in Harare. Playing his first international match since October 2024, the fast bowler put the hosts under early pressure by hitting a four on the very first ball of the game.
He dismissed Brian Bennett for duck on a ball that took the outside edge. Mayank maintained his pace and accuracy during the powerplay before dismissing Dion Myers and took 2 for 18 in four overs.
His match-winning spell strengthened India’s pace attack in the absence of Jasprit Bumrah. Mayank’s return also helped India end its recent losing streak. He will be in the team’s plans for the 2026 T20 World Cup.
Ravichandran Ashwin reacts to Shreyas Iyer registering his first win as India captain
Ravichandran Ashwin congratulated Shreyas Iyer on registering his first win as India’s T20I captain. The win came at a crucial time after India lost consecutive T20 series to Ireland and England earlier this summer.
“Congratulations to Shreyas for his first win. He must be looking for it. There is not much to see when you restrict Zimbabwe to 120. Mayank, Prince and Ashok have all got their chances.”
After impressive spells from Mayank Yadav and Prince Yadav, India restricted Zimbabwe to 125 runs. After this the visiting team achieved the target in only 13.2 overs. 15-year-old Vaibhav Suryavanshi scored 50 runs in 19 balls, while Ishan Kishan scored 35 not out.
