Harare: India pacer Mayank Yadav has opened up on the most challenging phase of his young career, revealing how a two-year injury layoff tested his mental strength before he made a successful return to international cricket.

Playing his first match for India since October 2024, the 24-year-old delivered an impressive performance against Zimbabwe at the Harare Sports Club, helping India secure a comfortable win in the opening T20I. Clocking speeds close to 156.7 kmph, Mayank showcased his trademark pace and control, immediately making an impact after a prolonged absence.

Speaking at the post-match press conference, Mayank described the injury period as “very difficult”, particularly given his age at the time.

“The two-year gap was very challenging for me as a person. I was only 22–23 years old, so going through so much at such a young age affected me,” he said.

Motivation to represent India kept him going

Despite repeated setbacks and rehabilitation struggles, Mayank said his childhood dream of playing for India remained his biggest source of motivation.

He emphasised that the desire to wear the national jersey again helped him stay focused during recovery and ultimately fuelled his comeback.

“The motivation to play for the country is every player’s dream. That kept me going and helped me come back stronger,” he added.

The Delhi-based pacer has been regarded as one of India’s fastest bowlers in recent years, but injuries had stalled his progress at a crucial stage in his career. His return now signals a fresh start and renewed hope for both the player and the Indian team management.

Conditions in Harare suited his pace

Mayank credited the playing conditions in Harare for assisting his bowling performance. Known to favour seamers, the pitch offered bounce and movement, which aligned perfectly with his style.

“I had heard there is help for fast bowlers here. It’s my first time playing in Harare and it felt great. I was getting a lot of help from the wicket,” he said.

His ability to exploit the conditions allowed him to trouble Zimbabwe’s batters consistently, reinforcing his reputation as a genuine pace threat.

Praise for captain Shreyas Iyer’s leadership

The pacer also lauded India captain Shreyas Iyer for his supportive and proactive leadership during the match.

Mayank, who is playing under Iyer’s captaincy for the first time, highlighted the freedom given to bowlers to execute their plans.

“He showed a lot of confidence in the bowlers. Whatever I wanted to bowl, he backed it. That made me feel very free on the field,” he noted.

The combination of trust and tactical inputs from the captain played a key role in helping Mayank settle quickly into the game after his long break.

Strong coordination among India’s pacers

Mayank also spoke about the camaraderie within India’s pace unit, mentioning regular communication with fellow fast bowlers Ashok Sharma and Prince Yadav.

He explained that the bowlers shared observations about pitch behaviour and discussed strategies during the innings, which helped them maintain consistent pressure.

“We have a very good bond. Whatever I learnt in my first over, I shared it with them so we could attack better,” he said.

Young talent Sooryavanshi impresses

Mayank reserved special praise for 15-year-old batting sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, who impressed with an attacking half-century.

Describing his batting as “unbelievable”, Mayank admitted he was surprised by the youngster’s ability to dominate bowlers at such a young age.

“You don’t expect a 15-year-old to play shots like that. He gives you a completely new experience,” he remarked.

He also recalled being on the receiving end of Sooryavanshi’s aggressive batting during the IPL, calling it a “great feeling” to now be on the same team.

A comeback that signals promise

Mayank Yadav’s return to international cricket marks a significant moment for Indian cricket, especially in the fast-bowling department. After enduring injuries during a crucial phase of his career, the young pacer has demonstrated resilience, determination, and the ability to perform under pressure.

If he can maintain fitness, his pace and aggression could make him a key asset for India in the coming years. His comeback performance not only underlines his talent but also highlights the importance of mental strength in overcoming setbacks at the highest level.