Yash Thakur, Jasprit Bumrah fan, earns India T20I debut despite modest IPL returns
Yash Thakur’s patience finally paid off on Saturday as the Vidarbha fast bowler made his India T20I debut against Zimbabwe in Harare, replacing Ashok Sharma in the playing XI for the second match of the three-game series. India made the change after a commanding seven-wicket victory in the opener and will be aiming to seal the series with another win.
Thakur’s elevation is built on a strong domestic record rather than recent IPL form. The right-arm seamer has claimed 110 wickets in 74 T20 matches at an economy rate of 8.17, including five four-wicket hauls and two five-wicket hauls. His consistent wicket-taking ability across the domestic circuit eventually earned him a maiden India call-up for the Zimbabwe tour earlier this month.
India vs Zimbabwe, 2nd T20I: Updates | Scorecard
Bumrah remains his biggest inspiration
The 26-year-old has featured in 22 IPL matches, taking 27 wickets overall. However, his last two seasons with Punjab Kings were far from memorable. Across three appearances in the 2025 and 2026 editions, he managed only three wickets while conceding runs at an economy rate of 12.76, making his India selection all the more remarkable.
Speaking to JioHotstar before the match, Thakur credited India’s premier fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah as his biggest inspiration.
“I admire Jasprit Bumrah a lot because he bowls brilliantly in every format and in every phase of the game. He understands the situation and adapts accordingly,” Thakur said.
He added that he wants to become the kind of bowler captains can trust in the powerplay, middle overs and at the death. Saturday’s debut now offers him the chance to prove that on the international stage.
Playing XIs for India vs Zimbabwe 2nd T20I
India (Playing XI): Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, Abhishek Sharma, Ishan Kishan(w), Shreyas Iyer(c), Tilak Varma, Rinku Singh, Shivam Dube, Ravi Bishnoi, Prince Yadav, Yash Thakur, Mayank Yadav
Zimbabwe (Playing XI): Brian Bennett, Ben Curran, Dion Myers, Sikandar Raza(c), Ryan Burl, Wesley Madhevere, Tadiwanashe Marumani(w), Brad Evans, Newman Nyamhuri, Richard Ngarava, Blessing Muzarabani
– Ends
