Mayank Yadav makes shock return for T20 World Cup 2026; Riyan Parag also back
Published - 30 Jan 2026, 10:40 AM | Updated - 30 Jan 2026, 11:35 PM
Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) fast bowler Mayank Yadav is set to return to competitive cricket after an extended layoff due to injury. The right-arm fast bowler has been named in the India A squad for the warm-up matches scheduled ahead of the upcoming T20 World Cup 2026, which is set to begin on February 7.
India A will play practice matches against the senior men’s team during the T20 World Cup 2026 warm-up fixtures. As per the schedule, India A will take on the United States of America (USA) on February 2 in Navi Mumbai. They will then play Namibia on February 6 at the BCCI Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru.
Meanwhile, the senior Indian team, led by Suryakumar Yadav, will play South Africa in a warm-up match at the DY Patil Sports Academy in Navi Mumbai on February 4.
Mayank Yadav Set to Make Comeback for India A in T20 World Cup Warm-Ups
According to a Times of India report, Mayank Yadav has recovered from a recurring lower-back stress fracture. After IPL 2025, he underwent surgery followed by rehabilitation and is now ready to return to action.
Following his debut IPL 2024 campaign, he suffered a back injury and later picked up a toe injury. These setbacks forced him to miss the domestic season and the start of IPL 2025, before the back problem returned and ended his season early.
The 23-year-old has now regained full bowling fitness after spending close to a year on the sidelines. He is set to make his comeback with India A during the T20 World Cup warm-up matches.
"Fast bowler Mayank Yadav has also regained full bowling fitness after spending nearly a year out with a lower back stress fracture. The 23-year-old is set to make his comeback with India A during the T20 World Cup warm-up matches," the report read.
Mayank Yadav’s Journey After IPL 2024 Season
Mayank Yadav came into the limelight during IPL 2024 with his express pace. He regularly bowled at speeds above 150 kmph and took seven wickets in four matches. His performances earned him a call-up to the senior Indian team.
The fast bowler has played three T20Is for India so far and has picked up four wickets. He made his international debut in the home series against Bangladesh.
Mayank entered IPL 2025 carrying a fitness issue and managed to play only two matches. He finished the season with two wickets at an average of 50 and an economy rate of 12.50 before the injury ruled him out.
His last appearance came in the IPL 2025 match against Punjab Kings in Dharamsala. Despite ongoing fitness concerns, Lucknow Super Giants showed faith in his potential 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 cleared the yo-yo test while recovering from a right shoulder injury. He will take part in a simulation match on Friday at the Centre of Excellence. Parag is also included in the India A squad for the upcoming matches.
The report added that he could receive medical clearance after the simulation game. If Washington Sundar does not recover in time, Parag remains an option to step in for the T20 World Cup squad.
"Riyan Parag, who has been sidelined with a right shoulder injury, is also likely to be cleared after Friday’s simulation match at the CoE," the report added.
Also read: Tilak Varma set to rejoin India squad after clearance; Washington Sundar’s fitness under scanner
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