‘I hope that he remains fit and goes to Australia’ – Basit Ali praises Mayank Yadav post international debut

Basit Ali and Mayank Yadav. (Source – Twitter/X)

There was significant anticipation when Mayank Yadav was announced in India’s 15-member squad for their three-match T20I series against Bangladesh. The level of excitement for the Indian supporters only surged once he was handed his debut cap ahead of the toss. Just as one expected, Mayank did not disappoint one bit in his four-over spell. From his run-up to his bowling action, everything looked as if it was fast-forwarded as the pacer rushed the Bangladeshi batters during an impressive debut which ended with figures reading 4-1-21-1.

Not only did he garner praise from Indian cricket experts and supporters alike, but also from ex-cricketers from various parts of the globe. Former Pakistani cricketer, Basit Ali, in a recent interaction, lauded Mayank’s outing in Gwalior. Apart from pointing out a valid reason as to why Mayank could not hit the 150-plus mark on even one occasion, he also wished for the fledgling quickly to be a part of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy Down Under.

“It was a dream debut for Mayank Yadav. He started off with a maiden and even clocked 149.9 kph. He has come from an injury, which is why his speeds have not been 157 or 158 clicks. Just imagine if he had been given the new ball instead of Hardik Pandya. He instilled fear. If you guys saw the match, batters did not play him on the front foot. I hope that he remains fit and goes to Australia,” stated Basit in a video on his official YouTube channel.

In his entire four-over spell, Mayank did not hit the 150 kph mark. However, he did cross the 140 kph mark in 17 out of the 24 deliveries he bowled.

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Mayank makes his way into distinguished list

Mayank bowling a maiden on his very first over on his international debut in T20Is meant that he joined Ajit Agarkar and Arshdeep Singh as the only players from India to have achieved the prominent milestone in the 20-over format.

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While Mayank was expected to be handed the brand-new white ball along with Arshdeep Singh, it was Hardik Pandya who bowled the second over with Mayank being introduced into the attack in the final over of the powerplay.