Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) fast bowler Mayank Yadav is set to return to competitive cricket after a long layoff due to injury. The right-arm fast bowler has been named in the India A squad for the warm-up matches ahead of the upcoming T20 World Cup 2026, which is scheduled to begin on February 7.
India will play practice matches against the senior men’s team during the practice matches of the T20 World Cup 2026. As per the schedule, India A will take on the United States of America (USA) in Navi Mumbai on February 2. After this they will play Namibia at the BCCI Center of Excellence in Bengaluru on 6 February.
Meanwhile, the senior Indian team led by Suryakumar Yadav will play South Africa in a practice match on February 4 at the DY Patil Sports Academy in Navi Mumbai.
Mayank Yadav set to return for India A in T20 World Cup warm-up
According to the Times of India report, Mayank Yadav has recovered from repeated stress fractures in his lower back. After IPL 2025, he underwent surgery and then rehabilitation and now he is ready to return to action.
After his first IPL 2024 campaign, he suffered a back injury and later a toe injury. These setbacks forced him to miss the start of the domestic season and IPL 2025, before the back problem returned and ended his season early.
After being sidelined for almost a year, the 23-year-old player has now regained full bowling fitness. He is set to make a comeback with India A during the T20 World Cup practice matches.
“Fast bowler Mayank Yadav has also regained full bowling fitness after spending almost a year out due to a lower back fracture. The 23-year-old is set to make a comeback with India A during the T20 World Cup practice matches,” the report said.
Mayank Yadav’s journey after IPL 2024 season
Mayank Yadav came into limelight during IPL 2024 with his express speed. He regularly bowled at speeds in excess of 150 kmph and took seven wickets in four matches. Due to his performance he was included in the senior Indian team.
This fast bowler has played three T20 matches for India so far and has taken four wickets. He made his international debut in the home series against Bangladesh.
Mayank entered IPL 2025 with a fitness problem and could play only two matches. He finished the season with two wickets at an average of 50 and an economy rate of 12.50, before being ruled out due to injury.
His last appearance came in the IPL 2025 match against Punjab Kings in Dharamshala. Despite ongoing fitness concerns, Lucknow Super Giants showed confidence in his ability and retained him for the IPL 2026 season for Rs 11 crore.
Riyan Parag likely to get clearance after COE simulation match
Meanwhile, Riyan Parag has passed the yo-yo test while recovering from a right shoulder injury. He will take part in a simulation match at the Center of Excellence on Friday. Parag has also been included in the India A team for the upcoming matches.
The report says that he may get medical clearance after the simulation game. If Washington Sundar does not recover in time, Parag remains an option to step into the T20 World Cup squad.
“Ryan Parag, who has been ruled out with a right shoulder injury, is also likely to get the nod after Friday’s simulation match at the COE,” the report said.
Also read: Tilak Verma will rejoin the Indian team after approval; Washington Sundar’s fitness is under question!
