Should Mayank Yadav Be Bowling for India at the T20 World Cup?

Mayank Yadav, a young speedster with the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG), has taken the IPL 2024 by storm. In just two matches, he’s not only grabbed everyone’s attention but also sparked a debate: should he be included in India’s squad for the upcoming T20 World Cup?

 

Yadav’s debut was phenomenal. He picked up 3 wickets for just 27 runs against Punjab Kings and clocked the fastest delivery of the season at that time at 155.8 kmph, earning him the Player of the Match award.

He followed it up with another stellar performance against Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB), clocking 156.7 kmph and taking 3 crucial wickets, dismissing Glenn Maxwell, Cameron Green and Rajat Patidar, for only 14 runs and being named Player of the Match again!

 

Fan Frenzy and Expert Opinions

Yadav’s fiery pace and exceptional control have created a buzz on social media, with fans calling for his inclusion in the World Cup squad. Former cricketers like Manoj Tiwary and Virender Sehwag have also backed him, highlighting his accuracy and ability to handle pressure.

 

“If I was in Ajit Agarkar’s position I would put him in. Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammad Shami and then him. Looking at Mayank’s form, action and release it looks like he is in control and it feels like if you give him a bigger stage, he will deliver. With IPL where many overseas players do come in and get them out, your confidence will also go up,” Manoj Tiwary said in a video uploaded by Cricbuzz.

 

They believe he has an edge over other fast bowlers like Umran Malik due to his better line and length control.

 

“The difference between Mayank and Umran is that his lines are accurate. Umran was also quick but he wasn’t able to improve on his line and length. Mayank’s lines and lengths are accurate. He is well aware that he has the speed but if I get my lines wrong then I could concede boundaries. Just for that alone I feel that he should play international cricket after IPL if he remains fit,” Sehwag said.

 

However, there’s a question of experience. Tom Moody, acknowledges Yadav’s talent but raises the point of selecting the right skillset for the World Cup. Should they pick a powerplay bowler, a death bowler, or someone with a mix of both?

 

“He is definitely in the conversation. Whether you take that risk punting on him or not is another conversation because you also need to consider what skillset you need in that reserve fast bowler – is it someone who is a powerplay bowler, or someone who has the ability to bowl at the death, all those subtle skillsets are important when you are talking about a T20 World Cup.” Tom Moody said when talking on ESPNcricinfo’s show T20 Time Out Live.

 

“What’s so impressive is it’s not only just the pace – it’s like everyone likes seeing a Nicholas Pooran hit the ball out of the ground, it is exhilarating to watch – but it’s his control,” Moody said. “Not only he has got the control, but he looks like he has got quite a mature head on his shoulders with regards to how he is bowling, and what lines he is bowling and lengths he is bowling. He is a real find.”

 

Despite the debate, experts like Mitchell McClenaghan believe Yadav has a chance. If he maintains his form throughout the IPL, he could be a strong contender, even though he lacks international experience.

 

“If his form continues throughout this tournament, the World Cup starts six days after the IPL, I think it would be crazy not to look at the players who are in form going into that tournament. He may not have the caps behind him, but if he continues this vein of form and can keep his pace up throughout the whole tournament and keep winning games – he has won two games in a row, his first two games – then you are right in the mix. Long shot but you wouldn’t say never.” Mitchell McClenaghan said.

 

The key, as fast bowler Varun Aaron suggests, is for Yadav to keep focusing on performing well in each match. Consistent success will solidify his case and push him closer to the World Cup dream.

 

“I think no matter what the chatter is, he should focus on one game at a time,” he said. “Because that is going to automatically help him make his case. With the kind of work he has put in in the last two games, that does bring a lot of eyeballs but it has to be repeated over a period of time. The T20 World Cup, I am sure, he is going to be a contender if he backs it up with a few more performances because he is bowling absolute gas”, Varun Aaron said.

 

“Going into the game, we said that lines are going to be important,” Varun Aaron said. “Not just lines, even lengths he adapted. He bowled a few yorkers, it’s not just bowling back of length and being one-dimensional. The ball to Cameron Green was beautiful. He had hit him for a really convincing pull the previous ball. I think he was a second late on that [wicket] ball. It just ricocheted off the stumps, I think it went one-bounce four. It is great signs. He has got really good control. And he has got a really, really repeatable clean action that enables him to bowl those lines time and again. Not a single cut, not a single ball down the leg side. Unbelievable.”

 

Mayank Yadav’s journey has just begun. While there’s no guarantee of a World Cup spot yet, his exceptional start has opened a door for him. With continued impressive performances and support from experts and fans, he might just find himself bowling for India on the biggest stage.

Mayank Yadav, along with the rest of his teammates, will now turn up for the LSG in their subsequent IPL 2024 bout against Gujarat Titans. The much-awaited contest will be staged at Lucknow’s Ekana Cricket Stadium on April 7.