VVS Laxman's 'special interest' leads to fast-tracking Mayank Yadav's debut for Team India: Coach reveals insights

Former India batter VVS Laxman played a crucial role in clearing the star speedster to resume playing. Laxman, who currently holds the position of head at the NCA in Bengaluru, personally oversaw the pacer's recovery process upon his arrival at the facility. Devender Sharma, coach of Mayank Yadav, shared how Laxman went above and beyond to ensure the pacer's swift return to the field.

Sharma revealed that Laxman gave him a set of key instructions as Mayank began his rehab and bowling drills.

“All credit to Laxman sir. He took a special interest in Mayank, right from the day Mayank went to NCA. He was given a clear instruction by Laxman sir to first work on his core strength and then start bowling,” Sharma told The Indian Express.

“It was a slow process. BCCI didn’t want to take any risk. He started bowling two months back, and it took him a month to get back to his normal speed. For the past six weeks, he has been bowling 15 overs per day at the NCA, another instruction given to him by Laxman sir,” said Devender.

Mayank was among the three pacers selected for the three-match T20I series against Bangladesh, with the other two being Harshit Rana and Arshdeep Singh.

Sharma also confirmed that BCCI is interested in flying Mayank as part of the squad for the five-Test series against Australia later this year. However, the speedster has been asked to take part in the Ranji Trophy to assess his fitness for multiple-day matches before a call is taken on his Test selection.

"Yes, there is a temptation to Mayank to Australia. But as far as I know, he will be tested in the T20Is first. Thereafter, he was told to play Ranji Trophy for Delhi. The NCA wants to monitor his body and whether it can cope with the pressure of four days or not. For now, he is fit to bowl four overs, in my opinion, he needs a season of domestic cricket to get ready for the four-day matches,” he said.