Setback for Indian team as star pacer ruled out for three months due to injury

New Delhi: India have recently revealed their squads for the upcoming T20I series against South Africa and the Border-Gavaskar Trophy against Australia. Unfortunately, a number of key players will be missing from both series due to injuries, further adding to the growing list of absentees. One such player whose absence will be a major blow for both himself and the Indian team management is Mayank Yadav. The young fast bowler, aged 22, is set to be sidelined not just for the upcoming series, but for an extended period due to ongoing injury issues.

Mayank Yadav had an impressive debut series against Bangladesh, where he took 6 wickets in three T20Is. However, according to the BCCI’s announcement of the squad for the South Africa series, it was revealed that Yadav has suffered another injury, preventing him from being included in the squad.

According to a report by The Telegraph, Mayank Yadav has been sidelined due to a back injury, rather than the side strain that previously kept him out after just four matches in IPL 2024. Although there were initial plans for him to participate in the Ranji Trophy from the fourth or fifth round, those plans have since been abandoned. As a result, Yadav also missed the chance to travel to Australia as one of the reserve pacers.

“There appears to be some problem with his back… Could also be a case of stress fracture. As per the earlier prescription from the NCA (National Cricket Academy), he could play in the Ranji Trophy from its fourth or fifth round, but that’s no longer possible now. He’s again out for quite some time,” a BCCI official said.

According to Mayank Yadav’s personal coach, Devendra Sharma, the fast bowler has been advised to avoid playing for now, as the team management is aiming to have him return for the three-match ODI series against England in February. This means Yadav will be sidelined for approximately three months.

“It’s not that Mayank has sustained a fresh injury, but he has been advised not to play now as they’re looking to have him back for the England ODIs,” Devendra Sharma said.