After 649 days away due to injuries, Mayank Yadav has rejoined the Indian team and demonstrated an impressive comeback during the match against Zimbabwe at Harare Sports Club.
Yadav started his return with a triumph, dismissing the opening batsman for the opponent, Brian Bennett, on the very first delivery. He then took another wicket, showing that his pace and sharpness remain intact. For such a fast bowler, this start was the best possible after a long break.
Yadav's return was particularly significant because in his previous T20I friendly match, he also took a wicket with the first ball. In the match against Bangladesh in Hyderabad on October 12, 2024, when the team defended a large target of 298 runs, he dismissed Parvez Hossain Imon off the first ball. Now, in the match against Zimbabwe, he repeated this feat by taking Bennett with the first ball. Thus, Mayank Yadav became the first Indian bowler to take a wicket with the first ball in two consecutive T20I matches.
Two records were set in this match. Firstly, it is the first instance where an Indian bowler has taken a wicket with the first ball while India was batting. In T20I history, this has happened only three times: Arshdeep Singh – Shaiheen Jaffar (USA) in the 2024 T20 World Cup; Hardik Pandya – Sam Ayub (Pakistan) in the 2025 Asia Cup in Dubai; and Mayank Yadav – Brian Bennett (Zimbabwe) in Harare in 2026. Secondly, he entered the list of Indian bowlers who most frequently take wickets with the first ball of the opposition's innings, alongside Bhuvneshwar Kumar (3 times), Hardik Pandya (2 times), Arshdeep Singh (2 times), himself (2 times), and Ravichandran Ashwin (1 time).
Mayank Yadav attracted attention for his pace even before playing extensively in domestic leagues. After participating in only two List-A matches, he was included in the Lucknow Super Giants squad before IPL 2022. However, a serious hamstring injury halted the momentum of his career, and he was out of action for a long time. After recovery, he demonstrated his power by leading Rahul Tripathi of the North region team in the Devdhar Trophy, which boosted his chances in the IPL.
In IPL 2024, Yadav debuted against Punjab Kings, where he performed excellently—3/27 in 4 overs, bowling at a speed of 155.8 km/h. In the next match against Royal Challengers Bengaluru, he set a season record by bowling at a speed of 156.7 km/h and achieving a result of 3/14. He also became the first player in IPL history to receive the 'Player of the Match' award in his first two games.
The Indian team has long sought such a fast bowler capable of consistently bowling over 150 km/h. Mayank Yadav's return after 649 days of injury has added new sharpness to India's fast bowling attack. If he maintains his form, he could become the main threat to opposing batsmen in upcoming major tournaments.
The three-match T20 series between India and Zimbabwe will begin on July 23rd. All three games will take place at Harare Sports Club stadium. This stadium is associated with many bright moments in Vaibhavi Suryavanshi's career.
Four months ago, during the U-19 World Cup, he made a historic performance, scoring 175 runs off 80 balls against England in Harare. Now, the young and explosive Indian batter is back on Zimbabwean soil, but his jersey now reads 'Senior Team India' instead of 'Under-19.'
Four months ago, he created a sensation in this country during the U-19 World Cup, dazzling the world with his play. Now, the same stadium is ready to become the arena for writing a new chapter in his international career. For Suryavanshi, Zimbabwe is not just another overseas tour, but a place filled with memories and confidence. He noted that returning here holds special significance for him because it was here that India made history.
Suryavanshi stated on bcci.tv: 'Four months ago, we played and won the U-19 World Cup here. This venue is very special to me. Representing India is every player's dream. Returning to the field where we made history is a completely different feeling.'
Vaibhavi believes that the experience gained in Zimbabwe will be useful to him during this tour. Known as 'Baby Boss', he said: 'At that time, I understood the conditions and characteristics of the pitch here well. Now I will try to apply this experience in the matches. I will rely on the work done in the training grounds and do my best for the team.'
He also recalled that he batted well in two matches played at this stadium. He added: 'I played two matches here, and both went well. I hope to maintain this form.'
Despite fluctuations in recent months related to the IPL, selection into the starting XI, and constant discussions, Vaibhavi admitted that he has experienced many ups and downs, but views this as part of cricket. He reported that the coach provides him with all necessary preparation, he feels good, and is full of confidence. He concluded: 'There have been many ups and downs in four months, but that is part of cricket. That's how life is.'
Vaibhavi Suryavanshi's connection with Zimbabwe is not only emotional but also supported by statistics. He has scored 439 runs in seven youth ODIs. His most memorable innings was against England in the U-19 World Cup, where he scored 175 runs off just 80 balls in Harare. In that match, he hit 15 fours and 15 sixes. Furthermore, in Harare, he showed explosive batting, scoring 68 runs off 33 balls against Afghanistan.
Vaibhavi Suryavanshi, who made history in Zimbabwe at the U-19 level, is now preparing to write a new chapter in the senior Indian team jersey on the same ground. If he repeats his previous achievements and demonstrates his experience, the land of Zimbabwe may once again witness the brilliance of this Indian cricket star.
Jasprit Bumrah has returned to the ODI format after a long break of 968 days, playing his match against England in Birmingham. His return was memorable as he not only reached the milestone of 150 international matches in ODI but also set a new significant record in England.
To reach 150 wickets in ODIs, Bumrah used only 4605 balls. This made him the third bowler in Indian history to reach this mark with the fewest deliveries. Other Indian bowlers who have reached this milestone include Mohammad Shami (4070 balls), Kuldeep Yadav (4513 balls), Ajit Agarkar (5027 balls), and Irfan Pathan (5131 balls).
In his very first appearance upon returning, Bumrah dismissed Harry Brook on the 13th over using a short ball outside off stump. This delivery featured extra bounce and outward movement. Brook attempted to direct the ball towards the third man, but it hit the outer edge of the bat, and Rohit Sharma, fielding at first slip, caught it easily.
Bumrah demonstrated that his pace and sharpness have not diminished after the long break. He also continued to dominate in ODIs on English soil, taking the number one spot among Indian bowlers for the most wickets taken in England.
According to statistics, Bumrah has taken 31 wickets in ODIs in England, surpassing Ravindra Jadeja (30 wickets), Bhuvneshwar Kumar (28 wickets), Madan Lal (27 wickets), and Mohammad Shami (26 wickets). Thus, his return brought him a double gift: cementing his name in the records and demonstrating why he is considered the main attacking weapon of Indian bowling.
Vaibhav Suryavanshi, a fifteen-year-old player, attracted the attention of the entire cricketing world as the Indian team decided not to include him in the final T20I match against England.
This young batting talent broke Sachin Tendulkar's record, becoming the youngest player selected for the Indian national team and the youngest Indian representative across all formats. He is also a debutant for the country in Tests and the youngest in T20Is history.
Previously, Suryavanshi demonstrated impressive form for the Rajasthan Royals, scoring a total of 776 runs, including a century and a fifty, and becoming the tournament's top scorer by hitting a record 72 sixes.
However, this successful form did not translate to the international level. In the first three matches against England, he managed to score only 14 runs at Manchester, 13 in Nottingham, and 15 in Bristol.
In the final T20I match against England, India decided to drop Suryavanshi, which was a controversial move and drew dissatisfaction among cricket legends. Nevertheless, Indian captain Shreyas Iyer defended the decision during the post-match press conference.
Iyer stated that Suryavanshi had to give way to Sanju Samson, who, according to him, 'has won us so many series in the past.' He clarified that the management wanted to form a combination of left-handers and right-handers in the top order batting, leading to the pairing of Samson and Abhishek Sharma.
Great Indian cricket personality Sunil Gavaskar noted that the young player deserved another chance and mentioned that Suryavanshi appeared dejected, according to Indian media. Gavaskar added, 'I just hope someone puts a hand on his shoulder, some senior player, and says: 'Look, this is not the end'.' He also emphasized that if there was a chance to win the series, he would understand the need to give a chance to another player, but given the current scoreline (3-0), making an Indian victory impossible, Suryavanshi should have been kept in the squad.
Meanwhile, former player Mohammad Kaif, considered one of India's greatest fielders, expressed his bewilderment, stating that he 'has never seen such confusing Indian cricket management.' He addressed the team, noting that both Suryavanshi and Samson 'should receive confidence, not doubts in their minds.'
Former Indian cricketer Ambati Rayudu criticized the poor communication. He advised the team to 'take a little more care of him,' pointing out that Suryavanshi is a young player 'who will serve Indian cricket for 20–25 years.' Rayudu also noted that it is 'very important for the management to absorb all the negativity, soak up all the pressure, and keep such young people in a bubble of positivity,' according to Indian media reports.
