BCCI names three pacers as net bowlers for India’s Asian Games 2026 campaign

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has named Mayank Yadav, Kartik Tyagi and Mohsin Khan as net bowlers for India’s Asian Games 2026 campaign in Japan. The decision reportedly came following a request from head coach VVS Laxman, who identified the need for additional bowling support during the tournament preparation phase.

The three pacers will travel to Japan with the Indian contingent, which departs from Delhi on September 20. They are not part of the official Indian contingent and will only be there till the Indian men play their first game on September 28, provided the BCCI can arrange for their Japanese visa on time before the team departs from Delhi on September 20.

Mayank Yadav’s T20I record and recent form

Mayank Yadav plays for Lucknow Super Giants in the Indian Premier League. The fast bowler has represented India in six T20 Internationals, taking nine wickets at an average of 17.22. His best T20I bowling figures stand at 3 for 29. Yadav was recently dropped from the T20I squad following the Zimbabwe tour.

Kartik Tyagi’s IPL 2026 performance

Kartik Tyagi represents Kolkata Knight Riders in the IPL. During the 2026 league season, Tyagi played 14 matches and claimed 18 wickets at an average of 27.66, maintaining an economy rate under 10 runs per over. Despite his strong domestic performance, Tyagi has not yet received a maiden T20I call-up.

Mohsin Khan’s domestic credentials

Mohsin Khan also plays for Lucknow Super Giants. In IPL 2026, Khan featured in seven matches and took 11 wickets at an average of 20.73. He registered a five-wicket haul against Kolkata Knight Riders during the league. Like Tyagi, Khan has not yet been called up to the Indian T20I squad.

Can India defend the gold medal?

India won the Gold medal under Ruturaj Gaikwad’s leadership in the previous edition of the Asian Games in Hangzhou, China, in 2023. However, the top teams fielded second-string teams in the campaign, as it coincided with their preparations for the 2023 ODI World Cup.

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This time, teams are bringing their best squads to the continental tournament. India won the Asia Cup in 2025 and the T20 World Cup this year. The team has undergone quite a few changes in personnel of late, but they are still among the favourites to clinch gold in the Land of the Rising Sun.