From Borgaon to IPL Stardom: Mangesh Yadav’s Journey to RCB for Rs 5.2 Crore
The 2026 IPL auction in Abu Dhabi turned out to be a life-changing moment for Mangesh Yadav, a left-arm pacer from Borgaon, Madhya Pradesh. The young cricketer’s name flashed on the screen, sparking a fierce bidding war between Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) and Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH). Within seconds, Mangesh’s price rocketed from a modest base price of Rs 30 lakh to an astonishing Rs 5.2 crore, a surreal moment for the player who could barely process the scale of the event.
Mangesh, who consistently bowls at 140 kmph and is known for his sharp yorkers, had no idea that his life would change so dramatically that day. “I was just thinking the first bid should happen and a team takes me in. I was very happy with the first bid from RCB. But within seconds in front of my eyes, SRH and RCB were bidding for me, and it reached five crores, which was extremely astonishing,” Mangesh recalled, speaking exclusively to IANS.
Mangesh’s Humble Beginnings
Mangesh Yadav: Rising Star of Indian Cricket
Mangesh’s cricketing journey started far from the glamorous lights of the IPL. Growing up in Borgaon village in Chhindwara, Madhya Pradesh, Mangesh had a humble beginning. His family, with three sisters, lived in challenging conditions. His father, Ramavadh, worked as a truck driver to make ends meet, and Mangesh’s dream of pursuing professional cricket seemed financially unfeasible. However, his maternal uncle’s encouragement to pursue cricket professionally changed his destiny.
At just six years old, Mangesh’s mother, Rita, played a crucial role in his early days by bowling to him in their home’s compound. This moment sparked a lifelong passion for the sport. “From there, I started playing cricket regularly, and it went on and on. I started bowling a little late with the left arm, but I used to watch Mitchell Johnson and RP Singh bowl, which motivated me a lot,” Mangesh said.
A Life-Changing Decision in Noida
As Mangesh’s talent began to shine, he moved to Noida to train at Phoolchand Sharma’s academy in Sector 34, Delhi-NCR. Despite financial difficulties, Sharma saw potential in Mangesh and offered to waive his hostel fees, allowing the young pacer to stay and train. “Sir saw my game, and he liked it. He forgave my fees and told me to stay here and practice,” Mangesh said, reflecting on his mentor’s generosity.
While Mangesh trained under Sharma, he also had the opportunity to learn from several established cricketers, including Shivam Mavi, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, and even stars like Jasprit Bumrah and Hardik Pandya, who dropped in for net sessions. Sharma, impressed by Mangesh’s bowling action, often compared him to the legendary Zaheer Khan for his smooth, repeatable, and lethal action. “His run-up and action reminded me of Zaheer Khan,” said Sharma.
Mentorship and Growth
Through the support of his mentors, including Ankur Tyagi, Anand Rajan, and Tanmay Srivastava, Mangesh refined his game, improving his pace and all-around skills. He represented Madhya Pradesh in the U19 and U23 teams but still feared that opportunities were slipping away. His breakthrough moment came with the launch of the Madhya Pradesh League, where he claimed 14 wickets and topped the bowling charts. IPL scouts took immediate notice of his performances.
Mangesh’s breakthrough performances didn’t stop at the Madhya Pradesh League. He continued to shine in domestic cricket, including a memorable stint in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy (SMAT). Although his debut was disappointing, MP coach Chandrakant Pandit recognized Mangesh’s batting capabilities and sent him up to bat in the second match. Mangesh made the most of this opportunity, scoring 28 off 12 balls and proving his worth as an all-rounder.
The IPL Dream: A Reality
After performing well in domestic leagues, Mangesh caught the attention of IPL franchises, going through trials with teams like RCB, Delhi Capitals, Rajasthan Royals, and Mumbai Indians. Eventually, it was RCB that secured him for Rs 5.2 crore, a deal that would change his life forever. Mangesh’s excitement reached new heights as he looked forward to sharing the dressing room with Virat Kohli, his childhood idol. “I always wanted to play under Virat sir’s captaincy. Sharing the dressing room with him is a big deal, and I never imagined that I would play alongside him,” Mangesh admitted.
The Big Leap to RCB
Joining RCB meant that Mangesh would now be rubbing shoulders with some of the best in the business. He credits his recent experience under Rajat Patidar’s captaincy in the SMAT for preparing him mentally for high-pressure matches. “Cricket is tough, but playing under Rajat bhaiya’s captaincy made things easier,” said Mangesh. He is now focused on improving his craft by learning from the likes of Kohli, Venkatesh Iyer, and Rajat Patidar during RCB’s upcoming team camp.
For Mangesh, the ultimate goal remains to wear India’s blue jersey and represent his country on the world stage. “It would be an out-of-this-world feeling to wear the India jersey and bowl the first ball for my country,” he says.
Mangesh’s All-Round Abilities
What sets Mangesh apart from the current crop of fast bowlers in India is his rare combination of skills. Not only is he a left-arm pacer, but he also possesses the ability to bat and field effectively. According to Phoolchand Sharma, this makes Mangesh a complete package. “He is a perfect cricketer. Not only is he a good bowler, but he’s a batter and fielder too,” Sharma noted. If he stays healthy, Mangesh’s potential to play for India could soon become a reality.
The Road Ahead: A Message for Aspiring Cricketers
The financial windfall from the IPL deal means Mangesh can now fulfill his off-field dreams, including marrying off his sisters and giving his father respite from his years of truck driving. Mangesh’s message to aspiring cricketers is clear: talent alone isn’t enough. “Without struggle, you won’t get anything. You need to put in double the effort. If you perform well, but don’t get selected, don’t be discouraged. Just keep working hard, and the right opportunities will come at the right time,” Mangesh advises.
Despite the challenges, Mangesh remains grounded and focused on his craft. “I’ve always been true to myself and put in the effort. Cricket is about respecting everyone and staying focused on your game,” he concludes.
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