In a major development, fast bowler Mayank Yadav has earned his first India call-up for the T20I series against Bangladesh. It was a big surprise for everyone, but at the same time, it was equally exciting to finally see the young fast bowler progress.
Even though Mayank won the selection, VVS Laxman also played a key role in the issue and the focus was always on the youngster in the last few months. Laxman’s golden advice during this period has done wonders for Mayank as he looks forward to his much-awaited Indian debut.
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VVS Laxman’s key role in Mayank Yadav’s first call-up to India
VVS Laxman, who is currently the head of the NCA, has given Mayank Yadav a fitness clearance, paving the way for his selection in the Indian squad for the T20Is against Bangladesh. Laxman always took keen interest in Mayank’s recovery during his tenure at NCA. Mayank Yadav’s coach Devender Sharma announced the information.
“All credit to (VVS) Laxman sir. From the day Mayank went to NCA, Mayank (Yadav) took special interest. He was given clear instructions by Laxman sir to work on his core strength first and then take up bowling,” said Devender Sharma.
Devender further revealed that the BCCI did not want to take any chances with Mayank and wanted him to spend time with his recovery. He also recalled Laxman’s advice to allow Mayank to play 15 times a day at NCA before he was deemed fit.
“It was a slow process. BCCI did not want to take any risk. He started bowling two months ago and it took him a month to get back to his normal pace. For the past six weeks, he has been bowling 15 overs a day at NCA, another instruction given to him by Laxman sir,” he said.
Mayank is only eligible to play in T20Is so far and will not be eligible for Test selection until he plays the Ranji Trophy season for Delhi. The NCA wants to test whether his body can withstand the demands of four days of cricket.
Will Mayank Yadav travel to play in the Test series in Australia?
Mayank Yadav is also being considered as a potential candidate for the away Test series in Australia. His coach has revealed that he needs a full season of domestic cricket to get fit for Test cricket.
“Yes, there is a temptation for Mayank to go to Australia. But as far as I know, he will be tested in the T20Is first. After that, he has been told to play the Ranji Trophy for Delhi. The NCA wants to monitor his body and his body. He can handle the pressure of four days. whether he can or not, for now he is ready to go four-over, I think he needs a season of domestic cricket to prepare for the four-day matches,” said Devender.
Mayank Yadav took IPL 2024 by storm with a thunderous 155 kmph while playing for Lucknow Super Giants. He bowled just 12.1 overs in the season, but managed to grab everyone’s attention by generating extreme rates which is quite rare for an Indian bowler.
He also recorded a fastball of the season at 156.7 km/h. However, the 22-year-old has been sidelined for the entire season with an abdominal strain. Since then he has not played any professional cricket till now and is rehabilitating in NCA.
