Mayank Yadav, the 21-year-old Delhi speedster, made an eagerly-anticipated international debut for India in the opening T20 International against Bangladesh. Despite his raw pace, Yadav understands that consistency is crucial for success at the international level.
Yadav’s journey to the Indian team has been marked by “ups and downs.” After an impressive IPL season with Lucknow Super Giants, where he bowled the 10 fastest deliveries, he suffered an abdominal strain that sidelined him for several months.
During his rehabilitation at the National Cricket Academy (NCA), Yadav focused on improving his line and length. “My pace is always at the back of my mind, but throughout my IPL journey, I’ve learned that consistency is key in this format, especially at the international level,” he said.
In his debut match, Yadav showcased his ability to adapt to different conditions. While he relied on extreme pace during the IPL, he used slower deliveries effectively on a slow and low wicket in Dhaka.
Yadav credited Team India head coach Gautam Gambhir and skipper Suryakumar Yadav for their support. “His (Gambhir’s) advice was just to focus on my strengths and abilities, and to do what I do best,” Yadav said. “He (Suryakumar) gives you freedom. When I was taking the run-up, he was telling me ‘do what you feel is best’.”
Yadav’s impressive debut has raised expectations for his future in Indian cricket. With his raw pace and newfound consistency, he has the potential to become a valuable asset for the team.
