Mayank Yadav's Test dream shattered for India vs Australia; VVS Laxman's secret project at NCA exposed

In a huge development, tearaway fast bowler Mayank Yadav earned his maiden India call-up for the T20I series against Bangladesh. It was a huge surprise for everyone but at the same time, it was equally exciting to finally see the young fast bowler making his way ahead.

While Mayank has earned his selection, VVS Laxman also played a key role in this regard and has always kept an eye on the youngster over the last few months. Laxman's golden advice over this period has worked wonders for Mayank as he looks forward to his much-awaited India debut.

Also read: Rohit Sharma shockingly claims he 'can still play all three formats' despite T20I retirement

VVS Laxman's key role in Mayank Yadav's maiden India call-up

VVS Laxman, who is currently the head of the NCA, gave fitness clearance to Mayank Yadav which paved the way for his selection in India's squad for the T20Is against Bangladesh. Laxman always showed keen interest in Mayank's recovery during his time at the NCA. The information was revealed by Mayank Yadav's coach Devender Sharma.

“All credit to (VVS) Laxman sir. He took a special interest in Mayank (Yadav), right from the day Mayank went to NCA. He was given a clear instruction by Laxman sir to first work on his core strength and then start bowling,” Devender Sharma was quoted as saying by The Indian Express.

Devender further revealed that the BCCI did not want to take any risks with Mayank and wanted him to take his time with the recovery. He also mentioned Laxman's advice to allow Mayank to bowl 15 overs per day at the NCA before being deemed fit.

“It was a slow process. BCCI didn’t want to take any risk. He started bowling two months back, and it took him a month to get back to his normal speed. For the past six weeks, he has been bowling 15 overs per day at the NCA, another instruction given to him by Laxman sir,” he added.

Mayank has been cleared to play just the T20Is as of now and will not be eligible for Test selection until he plays a Ranji Trophy season for Delhi. The NCA wants to check whether his body can cope with the demands of four-day cricket or not.

Will Mayank Yadav travel to play in the Test series in Australia?

Mayank Yadav is also looked at as a potential candidate for the away Test series in Australia. His coach revealed that he needs a full season of domestic cricket to be in shape for Test cricket.

"Yes, there is a temptation to Mayank to Australia. But as far as I know, he will be tested in the T20Is first. Thereafter, he was told to play Ranji Trophy for Delhi. The NCA wants to monitor his body and whether it can cope with the pressure of four days or not. For now, he is fit to bowl four overs, in my opinion, he needs a season of domestic cricket to get ready for the four-day matches,” Devender opined.

Mayank Yadav took the IPL 2024 by storm when he delivered 155 kph thunderbolts while playing for Lucknow Super Giants. He bowled just 12.1 overs in the season but managed to catch everyone's attention by generating excessive speeds, which is quite rare for an Indian bowler.

He also registered the fastest ball of the season with 156.7 kph. However, the 22-year-old picked up an abdominal strain and was ruled out of the whole season. Since then, he has not played any professional cricket so far and has been recovering at the NCA.