Yash Thakur’s Sudden Rise to India’s T20I Squad

The 27‑year‑old fast bowler’s phone rang moments after landing at Nagpur airport, announcing his maiden call‑up to the national team for the upcoming T20I series against Zimbabwe. It was a moment that fulfilled not only his lifelong ambition but also the dream his late father, Ravi Singh Thakur, had nurtured for him.

Tragically, Ravi Singh Thakur passed away from a cardiac arrest in early 2023, just as Yash’s career was beginning to take off. In a heartfelt interview, Yash explained how his father always wanted him to don the India jersey. “It was my father’s dream,” he said, “and I am very grateful because from day one he supported me and dreamed of seeing me wear the blue of Team India.”

Reunion with Morne Morkel

A familiar face now waiting for him in the Indian dressing room is former South Africa fast bowler Morne Morkel, who serves as India’s bowling coach. The pair forged a strong bond while sharing a season at Lucknow Super Giants before Yash moved to Punjab Kings. Yash credits Morkel for sharpening both his technique and mindset. “He taught me how to back my strengths on different wickets and how to take wickets,” Yash recalled. “Our time together at LSG was more than a working relationship; it was a partnership that still excites me.”

Yash’s domestic pedigree is impressive: since his List‑A debut in 2017 he has taken close to 100 wickets in 57 matches, played 74 T20s, and featured in 22 IPL contests for Lucknow and Punjab, claiming 27 wickets and a five‑for haul. He describes Morkel’s mantra as simple yet powerful: focus on deliveries that suit your strengths and target the opposition’s wickets. “He always told me, ‘Think about which balls will win you the game on that pitch,’” Yash said. That philosophy has shaped his mindset, especially in high‑pressure situations. “Pressure excites me,” he added. “That’s when I want to deliver.”

Learning from Shreyas Iyer

Yash joins a squad that already includes two other fresh faces, Prabhsimran Singh and Rajasthan’s Ashok Sharma, making three newcomers to the Zimbabwe tour. If he makes his debut, he will once again serve under Punjab Kings captain Shreyas Iyer. Yash already experienced Iyer’s captaincy during the IPL and now looks forward to the same leadership on the international stage. “Shreyas is a bowler’s captain,” he noted. “He talks to us first, gives us plans, and trusts us completely.” Yash believes Iyer’s ability to instil confidence is his greatest strength, an attribute that matches his aggressive drive to win. “He wants the team to stay on top,” Yash said. “That feeling carries through to every match.”

Yash also spent a season under Punjab Kings head coach Ricky Ponting, whose influence extended far beyond tactical briefings. He recalls Ponting’s unwavering “never‑give‑up” attitude and the way the Australian legend inspired confidence. “The biggest lesson I learnt from Ricky sir is that you must always think about winning,” Yash explained. “No matter the circumstance, focus on how you can help the team triumph.”

Ponting’s Winning Mindset

Yash vividly remembers a dressing‑room speech during an IPL chase of 265 runs against Delhi Capitals. After KL Rahul’s unbeaten 152 put Delhi 264/2, many in the Punjab camp thought the target was unattainable. Ponting’s simple directive cut through the doubt. “I don’t care whatever it is,” he told the team. “From the first ball, we will chase it down.” That mindset sparked a historic run chase, setting a new IPL record and sealing the win. “He lifted every player’s confidence,” Yash said. “That match taught us to never surrender.”

Yash believes captain Shreyas Iyer mirrors this fearless approach. “His mindset is exactly the same,” he said. “We play to win, no matter the situation.” The combination of guidance from Morkel, Iyer’s captaincy, and Ponting’s philosophy has forged a player who thrives on pressure and lives for the moment he can contribute to a victory. As the T20I series against Zimbabwe looms, Yash Thakur stands ready to honor his father’s dream and add his own name to India’s bowling ranks.