After the ongoing two-match Test series, India are set to host Bangladesh for a three-match T20I series starting on October 6. The BCCI (Board of Control for Cricket in India) has picked some new names who could make their debut for India in the upcoming series against Bangladesh. One of the most exciting names in the Indian squad was fast bowler Mayank Yadav. The 22-year-old earned his maiden India call for the three T20Is against Bangladesh.
Notably, Mayank Yadav has also shared dressing room with India head coach when former cricketer was a mentor of Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) till Indian Premier League (IPL) 2023. The right-arm pacer was picked by LSG ahead of IPL 2022 for INR 20 lakhs. However, he got to play his first IPL match in 2024. He impressed everyone with his pace in IPL 2024 and once clocked a speed of 156.7 during a match against Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB).
Gautam bhaiya’s words stayed with me: Mayank Yadav
Mayank Yadav is set to make his debut for India under head coach Gautam Gambhir. Notably, Gambhir has also served as mentor for LSG in IPL 2022 and 2023. Mayank Yadav revealed that Gambhir once told him that some players will get multiple opportunities to prove their chance, while some will have only one chance to cement their place in the team.
“Gautam bhaiya had once told me that there will be players who get multiple chances to prove themselves and there will be some who will get just one opportunity. I was struggling to even find a sponsor for my shoe despite being in an IPL team and having played for Delhi. Gautam bhaiya’s words stayed with me. He and Vijay Dahiya (former coach at LSG) had clearly told me that I would get my first game after one or two years. When the opportunity came this year, I had to make it count,” Mayank Yadav was quoted as saying by NDTV Sports