Mayank Yadav, the young Indian pacer who set the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 ablaze with his blistering pace, made his much-anticipated India debut in the first T20I against Bangladesh on Sunday. While Yadav’s debut was a memorable occasion, his pace was noticeably slower than his IPL exploits.
In the IPL, Yadav famously bowled a delivery clocking 156.7 kmph, but against Bangladesh, his pace varied between 135 kmph and 150 kmph. Former India cricketer Aakash Chopra believes that Yadav’s slower pace may be attributed to several factors.
“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,” Chopra said in a video on his YouTube channel.
Chopra further explained that Yadav may have been prioritizing accuracy over pace in his debut match. “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.
Despite his slower pace, Yadav bagged his maiden international wicket in the match, marking his arrival on the big stage. However, Chopra believes that Yadav still needs some time to fully harness his exceptional skills.
“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.
Yadav will be keen to build on his fine start to his international career and bag more wickets in the remainder of the series. With his raw pace and potential, he has the ability to become a key member of the Indian bowling attack in the future.
