New Delhi: Prabhu Yadav was performing the ‘Govardhan Parikrama’ in Mathura when his son, Mayank Yadav, over 7,000 km away at the Harare Sports Club, was throwing lightning bolts. The 24-year-old pacer, making a comeback after two years, returned with a sensational spell of 2 for 18. It included a first-ball wicket of 149 km/h in the first T20I against Zimbabwe, allowing Brian Bennettwho had given India a scare with a stunning 97 during 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 he bowl? I didn’t even watch the match. I only came to Mathura last night. I finished the Govardhan Bhagwan Parikrama and now I’m going back), “he tells TimesofIndia.com from Mathura, Uttar Pradesh, after completing the sacred 21 km circumambulation around Govardhan Hill.“Bas fit rahe, yahi maanga hai. Pichle do saal kaafi mushkil gaye hai bache ke (I prayed for his fitness and success. The last two years have been really hard on the boy),” says Yadav Sr., gasping for breath after the long walk.While Prabhu Yadav, who works in a factory in Okhla, manufacturing sirens for ambulances and police vehicles, struggled to breathe after a grueling seven-hour walk, Yadav Jr. he made the Zimbabwe batsmen dance to his tunes during a hostile spell.
Kyu mazak kar rahe ho sir?’ (Are you kidding me, sir?) Those were his words when I told him about his selection. He didn’t expect a call
Devender Sharma, coach of Mayank Yadav
It’s been a rough couple of years for Mayank Yadav. After impressing everyone with his blistering pace during IPL 2024, he was sidelined for over a year due to a stress fracture. But the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) never lost faith in the youngster. For the past two years, the BCCI’s Center of Excellence (CoE) in Bengaluru has become his second home.“It wasn’t easy for the boy. The frequent injuries took a toll on him physically and mentally,” shares Devender Sharma, who coached the speedster during his formative years.“He was angry. But he worked hard. Every day, he gave his best. After an injury, rehabilitation becomes very important, and he completed it diligently. That helped him to return to where he belongs,” says Sharma.
Mayank Yadav (Pic credit: BCCI)
Devender recalls that Mayank was in shock when he congratulated him over the phone after he was picked for the three-match series against Zimbabwe.“‘Kyu mazak kar rahe ho sir?’ (Are you kidding me, sir?) Those were his words when I told him about his selection. He was not expecting a call,” shares Devender.Mayank’s much-anticipated IPL comeback didn’t go according to plan this year; he failed to take a single wicket in the four matches he played for the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG), conceding 182 runs at an economy rate of 11.37.However, it was still in the scheme of things. He was named in the India A squad for the warm-up matches against the USA and Namibia ahead of the T20 World Cup. Then, he was among the seven net bowlers summoned by Team India to New Chandigarh ahead of the one-off Test against Afghanistan. During the three netting sessions, Mayank bowled at a fast pace with the red ball and was closely watched by bowling coach Morne Morkel.
At the CoE, for the past year he has bowled close to 15 overs every day. The goal is to bowl 20 overs a day. They want him to be ready for Test cricket by the next World Test Championship (WTC) cycle.
Devender Sharma | Mayank Yadav’s coach
“Look, he’s a special talent, and that’s why the BCCI backed him. They never let him down. They showed faith in him,” says Sharma.Devender also shared what the youngster has been up to in the past year.“At the CoE, for the past year, he has bowled close to 15 overs every day. The target is to bowl 20 overs a day. They want him to be ready for Test cricket by the next cycle of the World Test Championship (WTC). He has been managed very carefully by all stakeholders, and I hope he stays fit and repays the faith in him,” said Sharma.
Mayank Yadav celebrated at the wicket
Mayank’s mentor and former Delhi U-19 coach Narender Negi echoes Devender’s sentiments and shares details about the bowler’s injury struggles.“It’s not easy to do 145 kph consistently. I’ve been unlucky with injuries too. First it was a stress fracture in the back, then an ankle injury, followed by calf and knee injuries. It’s not easy to face so many setbacks,” says Negi.“People wrote him off and I think today he proved everyone wrong. Yes, it’s only one match, but he’s back for sure,” added Negi.On Thursday, Mayank operated consistently in the mid-high 140s. He troubled the Zimbabwean batsmen with strong seam movement, strong bounce and relentless pace. During the innings break, he admitted that he was nervous before bowling his first ball.
First it was a stress fracture in the back, then an ankle injury, followed by calf and knee injuries. It is not easy to face so many setbacks
Narinder Negi | Mayank Yadav’s mentor
“It’s always a great feeling when you come back and play for your country, especially when you have a spell like this. It’s a fantastic feeling and I don’t think I can describe it well in words. Obviously there were some nerves. To make a comeback after two years, there’s always pressure. There was a bit of nervousness in between,” he told broadcasters.“After taking a wicket in the first ball, I calmed down a lot. I got the confidence that I can deliver even after making a comeback after two years,” he added.
Mullanpur: India bowling coach Morne Morkel, right, interacts with Mayank Yadav during a practice session ahead of a Test cricket match against Afghanistan, in Mullanpur. (PTI Photo/Atul Yadav) (PTI06_05_2026_000020B)
It has been a tumultuous couple of years for the Delhi pacer. As his father says, he has not been a man, while his mother hopes that her son will spend some time with the family after this series.“Ab shayad kuch din ghar rahe (I hope he stays home for a few days),” says Mamta Yadav, Mayank’s mother.For Mayank, the wickets in Harare were more than numbers on a scorecard, it was the speedgun to be enjoyed. It marked the end of a long and painful road full of injuries, rehabilitation and uncertainty. Uncompromising on pace, the Delhi quick has finally given himself the perfect platform to chase the promise that earlier made him one of India’s most exciting fast bowling prospects.