New Delhi, October 10, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
Former India opener Aakash Chopra has praised fast bowler Mayank Yadav for rediscovering his express pace and making an impressive impact on his return to international cricket, saying his three-wicket haul against the West Indies in the second T20I in Ranchi was a significant confidence boost after an extended injury lay-off.
Speaking to JioStar, Chopra said Mayank’s return came with the natural pressure of playing top-flight cricket after a prolonged absence, particularly on batting-friendly Indian pitches.
“In the last match, he went for a few runs. Also, you’re obviously nervous when making a comeback. This is top-flight cricket, and you understand that you are playing on good batting wickets in India and coming back after a lay-off,” Chopra said.
Mayank made his presence felt in a high-scoring encounter in which India posted 249/5, only for the West Indies to complete a successful chase. The right-arm pacer claimed three wickets, including those of Kamil Pooran and Shimron Hetmyer, providing India with important breakthroughs during the powerplay.
Chopra particularly praised Mayank’s delivery to dismiss Hetmyer, describing it as an example of the impact genuine pace can have on batters.
“Getting that wicket early, although he had conceded a boundary before that, dismissing Kamil Pooran was a good start. The next one, to dismiss Shimron Hetmyer, was an absolute peach. It tells you what pace can do, how it can cramp you and how it can slightly embarrass you,” he said.
For a fast bowler returning from rehabilitation, regaining match fitness and confidence can be as important as taking wickets. Mayank’s ability to approach the 150 kmph mark offered an encouraging sign that he was recovering the pace that makes him a threat to opposition batters.
Chopra said the speed of Mayank’s deliveries, alongside his wickets, represented an important personal milestone after months away from competitive cricket.
“And the last one, again, was nearly 150 clicks. It was the final over of the powerplay, which usually goes for runs, so getting another wicket was a huge validation for himself because, after rehab, that thing always stays in the back of your mind: ‘Will I get injured again?’ That memory of pain stays with you until it doesn’t,” Chopra said.
He also highlighted the mental challenges of spending months on the sidelines while teammates continue to compete.
“Because you live alone for six to eight months, it’s like you’re living in a cave. Everyone else is playing, and you’re just watching and waiting for your turn. So, what he did in this game, more than the wickets, was the validation that he can get back to bowling at that high pace,” he added.
Despite Mayank’s three-wicket contribution, India could not defend their total. The West Indies reached 252/4 in 19.2 overs to secure a six-wicket victory and level the five-match series 1-1.
Shai Hope led the chase with an unbeaten 102 off 45 balls, while Sherfane Rutherford struck 84 from 37 deliveries.
India will look to bounce back in the third T20I in Indore, while Mayank’s return to high pace offers an encouraging sign as he continues his comeback from injury.
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