Without a doubt one of the fastest bowlers across the globe, Mayank Yadav is set to receive a much-awaited call from India for the forthcoming T20I series against Bangladesh. Now looking forward to the grand stage after successfully performing in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024, Mayank hopes to grab the opportunity. In the Indian squad, Mayank will have a helping hand, in the form of head coach Gautam Gambhir, who has previously worked with him when he was in Lucknow Super Giants. This prompted Mayank to talk about LSG days while recalling how the former Indian opener has helped him shift gears in terms of career development and outlook.
Mayank, who bowled the fastest ball ever, during an IPL match at 156.7 kmph, stated that he was completely oblivious to any thoughts of being called up by the India team. He says he only found out about it well after looking up the BCCI portal.
“I had no idea about the selection. “I did, however, observe my friends here receiving calls from well-wishers. I just looked at the BCCI page and knew my name was on the list,” Mayank told Times of India.
“When I finally hung up the phone, I saw images flash before my eyes — from the time I came to Sonnet Club for the very first day to the four frustrating months at NCA due to frequent injuries,” he said of his first reaction.
Similarly, Mayank remembered once talking to Gambhir about getting chances in LSG. To be more specific, Gambhir told the express pacer that there exist people who are given chances over and over again, and there are people who are given one chance. One came to understand that when Ashok was given one chance, it had to be utilized.
“Gautam Bhaiya once told me that there would be players who will get it to prove themselves as many times as possible, and there would be players who will get to do it only once. I was struggling to even get a sponsor for my shoe despite the fact that I was a part of an IPL team and had already played for Delhi. Gautam bhaiya was right. He and Vijay Dahiya (ex- LSG coach) clearly told me that I would get to play my first game after one or two years. This year the chance came. I had to take full advantage of it.
“The very next day after my IPL debut, I began to receive offers singling out my bowling shoes. As for Morne, he doesn’t say much. If he sees something he does not like, he will simply get up and say something. He would mostly discuss the game in relation to business,” he stated.”
