Mangesh Yadav is a 23‑year‑old left‑arm fast‑bowling all‑rounder from Madhya Pradesh, recently signed by Royal Challengers Bengaluru in the IPL 2026 auction for ₹5.2 crore after a breakout domestic season. He is known for his pace (touching 140 kph), swing, and lower‑order hitting.
Personal & Background
- Full Name: Mangesh Yadav
- Born: 10 October 2002 (Age 23)
- Batting Style: Left‑handed
- Bowling Style: Left‑arm fast
- Role: All‑rounder
- Domestic Teams: Madhya Pradesh, Gwalior Cheetahs, Bhopal Leopards
- Franchise Team: Royal Challengers Bengaluru (IPL 2026)
Career Highlights
- Early Struggles: Played tennis‑ball cricket across states, often traveling in unreserved trains and buses to earn match fees.
- Structured Training: Moved to Noida at 16, trained under coach Phoolchand Sharma at Wonder Cricket Club. Mentored by Tanmay Srivastava and trainer Ankur Tyagi.
- Breakthrough: Madhya Pradesh T20 League 2025 — 14 wickets in 6 matches, Player of the Tournament.
- Auction Drama: The IPL 2026 auction saw a bidding war; RCB secured him for ₹5.2 crore.
- Recent Matches (June 2026): Scored 33* and took 2/21 vs Stallions; 21 runs vs Ghariyals.
Mangesh Yadav Statistics
| Format | Matches | Runs | Bat Avg | Wickets | Bowl Avg | Best |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| List A | 3 | 5 | 2.50 | 3 | 36.66 | 2/45 |
| T20s | 2 | 28 | 28.00 | 3 | 28.33 | 2/38 |
| Madhya Pradesh T20 League | 18 | 441 | 40.09 | 28 | 14.93 | 4/18 |
Style & Strengths
- Bowling: Left‑arm pace, natural angle, swing at 140 kph.
- Batting: Lower‑order hitter, strike rate above 160 in domestic T20s.
- Temperament: Fearless, thrives in crunch overs.
- Utility: Genuine all‑rounder, balances both departments.
Legacy & Outlook
Mangesh Yadav’s rise from humble beginnings to a multi‑crore IPL contract is inspirational. His ability to deliver in domestic leagues and his fearless approach with both bat and ball make him one of India’s most exciting young all‑rounders. At 23, his challenge lies in consistency and fitness, but his story already symbolizes the new generation of Indian cricketers emerging from smaller towns.
Conclusion
Mangesh Yadav’s journey is a tale of grit and opportunity. From tennis‑ball cricket in unreserved trains to a ₹5.2 crore IPL contract, he has proven his mettle as a fast‑bowling all‑rounder. His pace, swing, and fearless batting make him a valuable asset for RCB, and his legacy will depend on how he translates domestic brilliance into sustained success at the highest level.
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