NEW DELHI: Known for his breathtaking pace, speedster Mayank Yadav was fast-tracked into the Indian T20I team after just 4 IPL games and went on to make his debut against Bangladesh on Sunday.
However, fans and pundits, who were looking for Mayank to go in full throttle in his first-ever international game, were disappointed as he didn’t break the 150 kph barrier.
The 22-year-old clocked 156.7 kph in the IPL last season and consistently bowled above 150 clicks but against Bangladesh, Mayank was mostly bowled in 135-148 kph range.
Former India opener Aakash Chopra explained that as Mayank was returning from injury, he was a bit cautious while bowling.
“Mayank Yadav bowled his first over as a maiden – Mayank ‘Gatimaan’ Yadav. He hadn’t played cricket for four months. He was coming back after an injury. There were a few butterflies in his stomach. There was a little nervous energy as well,” he said in a video on his YouTube channel.
“However, he started well and tried to bowl in straight lines. He wasn’t trying to reach 150-160 kph because there was a little more focus on the body – ‘Let’s not push myself because I am coming back after an injury’. However, there is no doubt that this bowler has pace,” said Chopra.
“He bowled at a good pace and showed that he has got the ingredients. You are seeing the ingredients as of now with which an excellent dish can be prepared. However, that will take some time and the Indian team will give him time, that’s what I feel,” said Chopra.
In his debut game, Mayank registered impressive figures of 4-1-21-1 and looked in control while bowling.
India won the game by 7 wickets, taking a 1-0 lead in the three-match series.
The second game will be played at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi on Wednesday.
