Cricket

Mayank Yadav targets 2027 World Cup return as pace recovery continues

  • Authored By: Sports Now
  • Updated Sep 26, 2026, 13:34 IST

After a series of injury setbacks, fast bowler Mayank Yadav is rebuilding his fitness and workload in Chandigarh, with his sights firmly set on representing India at the 2027 ODI World Cup.

Mayank Yadav targets 2027 World Cup return as pace recovery continues

Fast bowler Mayank Yadav is undergoing a rigorous rehabilitation and training program in Chandigarh, aiming to reclaim his place in the national setup with a long-term focus on the 2027 ODI World Cup. The young quick, who burst onto the scene during the 2024 IPL, has shifted his training base to work closely with Gaurav Sharma, the head physiotherapist for the Gujarat Titans.

The move follows a challenging period for the bowler, whose career has been interrupted by a succession of injuries, including a lumbar stress fracture, side strains, and various muscle issues. His recovery process has been further complicated by freak incidents, such as a toe injury sustained in 2025 that led to an infection. Following surgery on his back, Yadav is now focused on a structured, day-by-day approach to workload management to ensure he remains fit for the rigors of international cricket.

Building workload and consistency

Under the guidance of Sharma, Yadav has been steadily increasing his bowling volume, currently managing 10-over spells during training sessions. These sessions are split into segments of five, three, and two overs, allowing him to maintain intensity while monitoring his physical response. Recent reports indicate that the pacer is consistently clocking speeds of 150kph, with his average pace remaining in the high 140s.

The emphasis is now on sustainability rather than raw speed alone. Devender Sharma, who coached the bowler during his formative years, noted that the current training regimen involves bowling 12 to 15 overs daily, a routine maintained for the past six months. This preparation is designed to ready the athlete for longer formats of the game, moving beyond the short bursts that characterized his initial breakthrough.

A path toward international stability

The road to recovery has required both physical conditioning and mental resilience. Following a difficult return during the 2026 IPL, where he faced criticism regarding his pace, the bowler has received support from figures like Ian Bishop, who highlighted the significance of his return to 150kph speeds. The current focus is on biomechanical efficiency and injury prevention, ensuring that the toll on his joints and muscles is managed effectively.

Yadav’s recent participation in the Delhi Premier League, where he claimed eight wickets in seven matches for the East Delhi Riders, served as a positive step in his return to competitive cricket. As he prepares for the upcoming West Indies series, the objective remains clear: to build the necessary workload to compete at the highest level consistently. By prioritizing fitness and gradual progression, the team behind the bowler is working to ensure he remains a viable option for India’s future campaigns, specifically the 2027 ODI World Cup.