Mayank’s presence a big boost for Delhi: Sanjeev

Not since 2023 has Mayank Yadav featured for Delhi in domestic cricket. Considering the speedster’s tryst with injuries, India has chosen to polish the diamond in the rough under its close watch. After playing three T20Is for the Men in Blue in 2024, in the wake of an eye-catching IPL season for Lucknow Super Giants (LSG), he returned to international cricket this year with appearances against Zimbabwe, West Indies and New Zealand.

With the 2026-27 Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy — the domestic T20 competition — kicking off on Saturday, Mayank’s highly-anticipated return for Delhi will come against Jammu & Kashmir at the Holkar Stadium in Indore. The young tearaway is available for the entire tournament.

Delhi’s bowling coach Sanjeev Sharma is enthused by the attributes that Mayank will bring to the table. “His presence is a big boost for the team. He is looking very fit. He was getting the ball to swing in the air at speed during the net sessions.

There is a day’s gap after every match in the group stage. So he looks ready to play all the games,” the former India pacer told The Hindu over the phone. He rates the 24-year-old as a natural wicket-taker given his searing pace.

“Anyone who bowls 145kmph-plus is a wicket-taker. Such bowlers can change the game at any stage,” Sanjeev, who played two Tests and 23 ODIs for India, reckoned. Delhi’s bowling unit also comprises the experienced Ishant Sharma.

Five years since playing the last of his 105 Tests, the 38-year-old adds immeasurable wisdom to the outfit. Harshit Rana, Simarjeet Singh, Digvesh Rathi and Suyash Sharma are the other bowlers at Delhi’s disposal. “Ishant is 38, but he looks more like 32.

He is full of energy and always guiding the younger bowlers,” noted Sanjeev. “If he has committed to playing, he will deliver”.