Ever since bowler Mayank Yadav clocked 156 kmph in an IPL 2024 match, it was clear that he would someday be drafted into Team India. The only question was, when? But the moment has finally come, and Mayank could be making his India debut in the IND vs BAN T20I series starting on Oct 6.
The Delhi lad was drafted into the squad, in the presence of some of the other senior bowlers as well, and it could be the make or break moment for him, as far as his international career is concerned. For the record, the 22-year-old has played 14 T20 matches in all where he has bagged 19 wickets at an average of 14.31 and an economy of 6.98.
But his journey, as is the case in India with every player, has been one with challenges. Injuries has to be the biggest of them all. Mayank Yadav remembered a conversation with current India coach Gautam Gambhir that perhaps shaped his life and career. During Gambhir and Mayank’s LSG days, the former told the bowler that he needs to make the most of whatever opportunity comes his way.
“Gautam bhaiya had once told me that there will be players who get multiple chances to prove themselves and there will be some who will get just one opportunity. I was struggling to even find a sponsor for my shoe despite being in an IPL team and having played for Delhi. Gautam bhaiya’s words stayed with me. He and Vijay Dahiya (former coach at LSG) had clearly told me that I would get my first game after one or two years. When the opportunity came this year, I had to make it count,” he told the TOI.
Mayank Yadav Didn’t Know About India Call-up
Mayank Yadav went on to reveal that he did not have a clue that he had made it to the IND vs BAN T20I series. He had to go back and check on the BCCI website. “I wasn’t aware of the selection. But I saw my mates here receiving congratulatory calls. I just checked the BCCI website and got to know my name was there.”
“Once I put down the phone, I had flashbacks in front of my eyes-from the day I first went to Sonnet Club to the four anxious months spent at the NCA to recover from frequent niggles,” he said.
