Emotions ran high for young pacer Mayank Yadav after learning of his selection to India’s T20I squad for the upcoming three-match series against Bangladesh, beginning October 6. The 22-year-old speedster, who made waves with his blistering 150 kph deliveries for Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) in the IPL, had his season cut short by injuries. After a long rehabilitation stint at the National Cricket Academy (NCA), Yadav is set to return stronger than ever, ready to seize his international opportunity.
In an interview with The Times of India, Mayank reflected on the moment he learned about his selection. “I wasn’t aware of the selection. I saw my mates receiving congratulatory calls and checked the BCCI website. That’s when I saw my name,” he said, still sounding surprised.
The first person Yadav called after discovering the news was his mother. It was an emotional moment for the young bowler, who couldn’t help but recall his long journey from the Sonnet Club to his recent injury struggles at the NCA. “After I hung up the phone, I had flashbacks of everything—the hard days at the Sonnet Club and the tough four months at the NCA recovering from injuries,” Mayank Yadav shared.
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Despite the anticipation surrounding his debut, Yadav remains grounded, focusing on making the most of every opportunity—advice passed on to him by his mentor and former LSG head coach, Gautam Gambhir.
“Gautam bhaiya once told me that some players get many chances, and others only one. You have to make that one count,” Mayank Yadav revealed.
From no sponsor for cricket shoes to Indian Cricket Team call. Here is the story of India’s tearaway fast bowler Mr.Mayank Yadav.https://t.co/jcUVdHVbSL
— Munna Bhai (@Mallick1962) September 30, 2024
Mayank’s journey hasn’t been without its challenges, both physically and financially. He recalled struggling to find a shoe sponsor despite being associated with an IPL team.
“I was in the IPL and had played for Delhi, but I still couldn’t find a sponsor for my shoes. Gautam bhaiya and Vijay Dahiya (LSG’s former coach) always encouraged me. They told me I’d get my first game after one or two years,” Mayank Yadav reflected.
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When the opportunity finally came, Mayank grabbed it with both hands. His blistering pace not only caught everyone’s attention but also marked him as one of the few Indian fast bowlers consistently touching the 150 kph mark. His performances in the IPL turned his fortunes around.
“After my IPL debut, I got offers for my bowling shoes the very next day,” he said with a smile, recalling how quickly things changed. Now, with his international debut on the horizon, Mayank Yadav looks ready to continue his remarkable rise, carrying the lessons from his mentors and his journey into the big stage.
