Fast bowler Mayank Yadav has been picked for India A’s two T20 World Cup warm-up matches, ending a long spell on the sidelines with a stress fracture. The 23-year-old last appeared in a competitive fixture for Lucknow Super Giants against Punjab Kings during IPL 2025.
Tilak Varma, passed fit by the BCCI’s Centre of Excellence after a groin injury, is also in the 15-man group. He will play only one of the warm-ups before re-joining the senior squad. As the BCCI confirmed on social media, “Tilak Varma will feature in one warm-up match before joining the senior team.”
Schedule and venues
• 2 February – v USA, DY Patil Stadium, Navi Mumbai
• 6 February – v Namibia, CoE Ground, Bengaluru
Both opponents should offer contrasting tests: USA’s seam-heavy attack followed by Namibia’s mix of left-arm spin and medium pace. India A coach Hrishikesh Kanitkar, speaking informally to local reporters, said the brief series is “about sharpening basics rather than reinventing anything”.
The squad at a glance
Ayush Badoni leads the side and keeps his middle-order role. Naman Dhir and Ashutosh Sharma provide power-hitting options, while Ravi Bishnoi and Khaleel Ahmed give the attack variety. Mayank’s pace – he touched 150 kph in IPL 2024 – adds a point of difference, though team management are likely to monitor his overs closely after the injury lay-off.
Selected squad: Ayush Badoni (capt), Naman Dhir, Ashutosh Sharma, Priyansh Arya, N Jagadeesan (wk), Tilak Varma, Riyan Parag, Manav Suthar, Ashok Sharma, Urvil Patel (wk), Gurjapneet Singh, Vipraj Nigam, Ravi Bishnoi, Khaleel Ahmed, Mayank Yadav.
Context for the seniors
The defending champions open their T20 World Cup campaign against the USA on 7 February. While India’s first-choice eleven is mostly settled, recent injuries have left selectors keen on ready replacements. A strong showing from Mayank or Parag, for instance, could keep them in the frame should any late issues arise in the main squad.
Assessing the recall
Mayank’s selection is as much about future planning as immediate cover. National selector Ajit Agarkar, in an interview with state broadcaster Doordarshan, hinted that “genuine pace remains a priority in our white-ball plans”. If the right-armer can stay fit through these two fixtures, he may well find himself on the senior tour of Zimbabwe later in the year.
Meanwhile Tilak’s timely return offers the senior side a left-hand option in the middle order – an area India have tried to strengthen since the 2024 World Cup. His brief hit-out in the warm-ups should give coaches a quick measure of form after two months out.
Looking ahead
With the World Cup only days away, these matches serve more as tune-ups than selection trials. Yet for fringe players they represent a rare international window. Quietly, all eyes will be on Mayank’s pace gun readings and Tilak’s footwork against spin, simple indicators that matter when trophies are on the line.
