'Why is he always retained?': Ashwin answers critics after Mayank Yadav's return

Ravichandran Ashwin confronted critics with the question "Why is he always retained?" after his side posted a comfortable win in the opening T20I against Zimbabwe. Mayank Yadav returned to international cricket for the first time since October 2024 and was named Player of the Match for an eye-catching bowling display.

The match coverage was published on 2026-07-25T02:46:54.0000000Z. It was Mayank Yadav's first international match since October 2024. This marked a significant return after a period of injury-related setbacks for the young bowler. Ravichandran Ashwin urged patience for players recovering from difficult physical and mental challenges.

Mayank's comeback was defined by his effectiveness with the ball, a performance that earned him the Player of the Match award in the fixture against Zimbabwe. The young pacer had been absent from international duties for several months, and his contribution in this game drew attention for its timing as much as its quality. Teammates and support staff were visible in their approval on the field as the side wrapped up the victory.

Ashwin's remark, "Why is he always retained?", served as a direct rebuttal to those who had questioned the decision to keep Mayank in the squad. The senior player and off-spinner addressed the scrutiny immediately after the match, defending the management's faith in the bowler. His comments framed the selection debate around the need to support players returning from setbacks.

Selectors' choices and player management were at the centre of discussion following the match, given Mayank's recent injury history. The clear nature of the team's win in the opener against Zimbabwe reduced the room for doubt about his immediate impact. Observers noted that the bowling display played a crucial role in securing the result in this first game of the series.

The victory in the opening T20I match provided a positive start to the encounter with Zimbabwe and highlighted Mayank's successful return to competitive international cricket. Ashwin's defence of the bowler and the Player of the Match honour together underscored the narrative of rehabilitation and immediate impact. The match closed with the team celebrating a convincing result and Mayank marking his comeback with an award-winning performance.