Revealed: Why Mayank Yadav was not picked in India squad for Zimbabwe tour 2024?

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has recently announced the squad for the upcoming Zimbabwe tour, with several promising newcomers rewarded for their stunning performances in the IPL 2024.

However, the young pace sensation Mayank Yadav was overlooked for the Zimbabwe tour. The 22-year-old, who is known for his blistering pace, made a significant impact in IPL 2024 with his ability to consistently clock speeds exceeding 155 kmph.

Mayank Yadav overlooked for the Zimbabwe tour by the BCCI

Despite his campaign being cut short by a side strain, the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) speedster impressed one and all by taking seven wickets at a remarkable average of 12.14 and an economy rate of 6.98 in just four matches.

Given his IPL heroics, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and the national selection committee’s decision to overlook Mayank for India's upcoming five-match T20I series in Zimbabwe has raised many eyebrows.

Meanwhile, sources close to the matter hinted that Yadav is currently undergoing rehabilitation at the National Cricket Academy (NCA), where he, along with nine other young talents, is closely monitored by the BCCI staff.

It is being said that Mayank has been bowling continuously at 80–90% capacity, but the NCA suggested against rushing him back for the Zimbabwe tour, as this call could have hurt both the youngster and India. So, the focus remains on preparing him for his upcoming Sri Lanka tour and the upcoming red-ball season.

Mayank Yadav ignored for Zimbabwe tour due to fitness concerns

Last week, a BCCI source was quoted as saying by TOI: “Mayank is still bowling at 80–90%. It will be tough for him to be rushed into the team for the Zimbabwe tour. He is being prepared for a Sri Lanka tour followed by a red-ball season.”

Now, a PTI journalist also revealed that Mayank is not fully fit to take the flight alongside the Indian player for Harare, and that’s why he was ignored for the maiden India selection. The well-known journalist claimed that the LSG pacer is still undergoing rehab at the NCA in Bengaluru.

Mayank Yadav's rehab is still on at NCA. Not fit https://t.co/15l5h4aun0

— Kushan Sarkar (@kushansarkar) June 24, 2024

It is also possible that the Indian selectors may have ticked Yadav for red-ball cricket, considering his raw pace as a potentially valuable asset in Test cricket. Earlier, a report claimed that the BCCI is eyeing the fast bowler as a potential candidate for the Border-Gavaskar Trophy series later this year.

Mayank Yadav set to Test debut?

Notably, after the upcoming Zimbabwe tour, India is scheduled to travel to Sri Lanka for a white-ball series, comprising three ODIs and three T20Is. It is expected that India will field their best ODI squad for the Sri Lanka tour.

Following this, India has a packed cricket calendar with 9–10 Test matches on the horizon—possibly four or five matches at home against Bangladesh and New Zealand, followed by five matches against Australia.

So, Yadav might be saved for the red-ball actions. Apart from Mayan, Tilak Varma, Varun Chakravarthy, Rajat Patidar, Yash Dayal, and Harshit Rana are among the notable absentees from India’s 15-member squad for the upcoming Zimbabwe tour.