Who is Mangesh Yadav? The newly signed RCB pacer is a left-arm fast-bowling allrounder from Madhya Pradesh whose rise through state cricket, strong ties with Rajat Patidar and Venkatesh Iyer, and standout performances in the MP T20 League earned him a ₹5.2 crore deal at the IPL 2026 auction. Mangesh was one of the standout additions to the RCB squad, which is among the best among all IPL 2026 squads.
Mangesh Yadav player profile
Mangesh Yadav
Career snapshot
Format-wise career stats
| Format | Matches | Runs | Bat Avg | Strike rate | Wickets | Economy |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| List A | 1 | – | – | – | 1 | 7.00 |
| T20s | 2 | 28 | 28.00 | 233.33 | 3 | 12.14 |
Recent matches
| Match | Bat | Bowl | Date | Format |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Madhya Pradesh vs Rajasthan | – | 1/42 | 24 Dec 2025 | List A |
| Madhya Pradesh vs Punjab | 28 | 2/38 | 16 Dec 2025 | T20 |
| Madhya Pradesh vs Jharkhand | – | 1/47 | 14 Dec 2025 | T20 |
Role at RCB (IPL 2026)
Who is Mangesh Yadav, the new RCB buy?
Who is Mangesh Yadav becomes clearer when looking at his Madhya Pradesh cricket journey. A left-arm seamer capable of bowling at 140 kph, Yadav has been on the MP circuit for several years and has grown within a close-knit group of players that includes Rajat Patidar and Venkatesh Iyer — both of whom are now key figures at RCB.
Mangesh Yadav rose into prominence during the MP T20 League 2025, playing for Gwalior Cheetahs. He finished the tournament as the leading wicket-taker, picking up 14 wickets in six matches, including three four-wicket hauls, at an average of 12. His ability to strike early and deliver under pressure quickly put him on the radar of IPL scouts.
Mangesh Yadav as a bowler is defined by his natural left-arm angle and improving skill set. Initially known for taking the ball across right-handers, he has worked on bringing it back in and developed slower variations to complement his pace. Those improvements were evident during the league, where he maintained an economy rate close to eight despite being used in attacking phases.
Mangesh Yadav and the Rajat Patidar Link
Mangesh Yadav’s rise has been closely linked with his time in Madhya Pradesh cricket. He shares strong bonds with senior MP players like Rajat Patidar and Venkatesh Iyer, both of whom have played a role in guiding him through the transition from state-level tournaments to the IPL spotlight. Yadav has spoken about leaning on advice from players within the MP setup as he learned how to manage expectations and professionalism.
Who is Mangesh Yadav beyond the MP T20 League also includes his performances in red-ball and age-group cricket. He impressed in the Buchi Babu Invitational Tournament, where he contributed with both bat and ball, including a fighting 75 in one match. In the Under-23 State A Trophy, he claimed six wickets for 43 against Kerala, underlining his ability to make an impact in longer formats.
IPL trials With RCB, Mumbai Indians And Others
His consistent performances led to IPL trials with multiple franchises, including Mumbai Indians, Delhi Capitals, Rajasthan Royals, and Royal Challengers Bengaluru. When the bidding started at the IPL 2026 auction, four teams showed interest before RCB secured him for ₹5.2 crore, a clear sign of how highly franchises rate his potential.
Who is Mangesh Yadav for RCB is likely to be a like-for-like domestic pace option, providing left-arm variety and depth to the bowling attack. Within a squad that already includes familiar faces from Madhya Pradesh, Yadav is expected to slot in comfortably and continue his development without the pressure of being rushed into a fixed role.
As he prepares for the upcoming domestic season and life at RCB, Mangesh Yadav remains focused on consistency rather than the price tag. Who is Mangesh Yadav, at this stage, is a fast-rising domestic pacer whose growth has been shaped by Madhya Pradesh cricket, strong friendships within the setup, and performances that arrived at exactly the right time.
