When Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) signed Mayank Yadav in the 2022 IPL auction for his base price of ₹20 lakh, their fans might have wondered, “Who is he?” Not many knew about the 21-year-old Delhi pacer.
Despite having played just 17 List A matches, 13 T20s, and one First-Class game in his career so far, Mayank Yadav, who is just 21 years old, is already gaining attention as a strong contender for India’s 15-member squad in the T20 World Cup, set to begin on June 1 in the USA and the West Indies.
Former Indian Selector Want Mayank Yadav To Replace Mohammed Shami In India’s T20 World Cup 2024 Squad
Though it’s still early in the tournament, Mayank has impressed with his pace, making him one of the standout discoveries of the Indian Premier League 2024.
In the match against Punjab Kings, Mayank bowled the fastest ball of the IPL 2024. However, he surpassed this feat in the next game against Royal Challengers Bangalore, drawing praise from all corners of the Indian cricket community.
Mayank’s remarkable impact has led to discussions about his inclusion among India’s potential candidates for the World Cup. According to former BCCI chairman of selectors MSK Prasad, Mayank Yadav could serve as an excellent replacement for the injured Mohammed Shami. With Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj, and Mayank Yadav in the mix, India possesses the potential to assemble a formidable and formidable bowling lineup.
“Had it been some other format, probably I would have thought differently. I would have taken a call only after watching him for a couple of bilateral series. But IPL is in itself a mega platform where you can showcase your talent because every game involves pressure. Mayank is someone who has shown he can absorb pressure and bowl consistently at a good line and has already troubled the best of the lot with his pace,” Prasad told RevSportz.
He added: “If they are not able to bring the bat down against the pace he has been generating I think he will be handy. And looking at the Indian bowling, especially with Shami now being ruled out, the selectors must be looking for a third seamer after Bumrah and Siraj. Someone with that kind of pace and accuracy, deserves a place in the T20 World Cup squad.”
Mayank’s standout quality is his versatility as a bowler. He doesn’t just rely on pace but also mixes up his length and maintains accuracy well. This was evident in his splendid T20 performances, where he took figures of 3/27 and 3/14 in two matches.
Unfortunately, he had to leave the field due to a suspected side strain after just one over in another match against Gujarat Titans. MSK Prasad, who played a role in selecting India’s 2019 World Cup squad, is impressed by Mayank’s initial performances and believes he’ll be a valuable addition, especially on challenging surfaces expected in the West Indies and the USA for the upcoming T20 World Cup.
“It’s not just about bowling consistently at a good pace but the accuracy. You saw the game against Punjab Kings, it was his pace coupled with line and length that troubled batters. They struggled to negotiate his pace. In the game against RCB, the ball with which he got Cameron Green bowled speaks volumes about his pace. I think he is easily the find of IPL so far,” Prasad added.
“When the pitches are double paced it will be even tougher to play him. Not many people know that he has got a fantastic change of pace also. All these attributes make him a solid case for the T20 World Cup squad.”
