Yash Thakur gets ODI cap 267 from Axar Patel ahead of 5th ODI vs New Zealand
Synopsis
Yash Thakur became India's 267th ODI capper on Sunday at Bay Oval, with a heartfelt send-off from Axar Patel urging him to make his family and country proud. The Nagpur pacer — a T20I international, Asian Games gold medallist, and IPL veteran — now faces the real test: defending 209 with his skiddy pace and trademark yorkers against New Zealand.
Key Takeaways
Yash Thakur made his ODI debut for India on 15 November in the 5th ODI vs New Zealand at Bay Oval, Mount Maunganui .
He received ODI cap number 267 from Axar Patel in front of the full squad before the match.
Thakur had already played four T20Is , taking five wickets , and was part of the Asian Games gold-medal-winning squad.
He was dismissed for a duck off four balls by Mitchell Santner , caught by keeper Tim Seifert .
India were bowled out for 209 in 42.1 overs ; Thakur will look to make an impact with the ball.
Fast bowler Yash Thakur received his ODI cap number 267 from left-arm spin all-rounder Axar Patel ahead of India's fifth ODI against New Zealand at Bay Oval, Mount Maunganui on Sunday, 15 November, marking a landmark moment in the young pacer's career.
The Cap Presentation
Axar presented Thakur with the coveted cap in front of the entire Indian squad before the match began. 'Cap number 267. Today is a very special day for one of our teammates, and congratulations, Yash. I think everyone dreams of playing for India when they start playing cricket, and today is your special day,' Axar said in a video posted on the BCCI's official social media accounts.
'I want to say that you have gone through a lot of highs and lows and just remember everything. Whatever you have done to reach here and today is your special day. Make your family proud. Make every Indian player proud. Make everyone proud and go well,' Axar added.
Thakur's Road to the ODI Debut
Nagpur-based Thakur, who represents Vidarbha in domestic cricket, made his T20I debut for India in July, playing two matches in Zimbabwe and claiming two wickets in each game. Across four T20Is, he has taken five wickets in total. Notably, Thakur was also part of the Indian squad that won the gold medal at this year's Asian Games in Japan, underlining his credentials as a rising star in Indian cricket.
On the IPL circuit, Thakur has been a consistent presence, spending two seasons each with Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) and Punjab Kings (PBKS).
A Difficult Start with the Bat
The debut did not begin as Thakur might have hoped with the willow. He walked in at 166 for 7 after Auqib Nabi was dismissed by Mitchell Santner, and lasted only four balls before edging a Santner delivery to wicketkeeper Tim Seifert for a duck. India's innings eventually ended at 209 in 42.1 overs.
What to Watch with the Ball
Thakur's strengths — his skiddy pace and the ability to execute pinpoint yorkers — will be central to India's hopes of defending a modest total. This is the kind of conditions-and-role debut that tests a bowler's composure more than any batting cameo could. All eyes will be on how the ODI cap number 267 holder performs with the ball as India look to end the series on a high.
Point of View
Particularly with the next ODI cycle already taking shape.
NationPress
15 Nov 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Yash Thakur and what is his cricketing background?
Yash Thakur is a fast bowler from Nagpur who plays for Vidarbha in domestic cricket. He has represented India in four T20Is, taking five wickets, and was part of the squad that won gold at this year's Asian Games in Japan. He has also featured in the IPL with Lucknow Super Giants and Punjab Kings over two seasons each.
What cap number did Yash Thakur receive on his ODI debut?
Yash Thakur was handed ODI cap number 267 by Axar Patel before the fifth ODI against New Zealand at Bay Oval, Mount Maunganui on 15 November.
What did Axar Patel say to Yash Thakur at the cap presentation?
Axar Patel congratulated Thakur and reminded him of the highs and lows he had overcome to reach this moment. He urged Thakur to 'make your family proud, make every Indian player proud, make everyone proud and go well,' in a video shared on BCCI's social media accounts.
How did Yash Thakur's debut go with the bat?
Thakur walked in at 166 for 7 and lasted only four balls, edging a Mitchell Santner delivery to wicketkeeper Tim Seifert for a duck. India's innings ended at 209 in 42.1 overs.
What are Yash Thakur's key bowling strengths?
Thakur is known for his skiddy pace and the ability to bowl pinpoint yorkers, skills that are expected to be crucial as India attempt to defend a total of 209 against New Zealand.
