"He's like a Lamborghini car" - Dinesh Karthik reacts to Mayank Yadav's selection for IND vs BAN 2024 T20Is
Former India keeper-batter Dinesh Karthik compared rookie fast bowler Mayank Yadav to a Lamborghini car while reacting to his maiden India call-up. Karthik opined that, if fit, Mayank will go all out with the ball because that's when he's most lethal.
The fast bowler made a sensational IPL debut for Lucknow Super Giants earlier this season before being ruled out due to injury. He has earned his maiden call-up to the Indian team for the T20I series against Bangladesh.
Although he hasn't played any competitive match since April 30, the 22-year-old has been fast-tracked into international cricket. During a chat on Cricbuzz, Karthik was asked if the pacer will be wary of bowling full tilt at the start of his international career considering his fitness woes. The former stumper replied:
"I think he'll go 157 (kph). That's what he's getting his body ready for. He's like a Lamborghini car. Once you hit the pedal, he flies. If he is fit, he will let the ball fly."
Mayank starred with 3-27 on his IPL debut against Punjab Kings in Lucknow, making a huge impression with his extra pace.
He followed it up 3-14 against Royal Challengers Bengaluru. However, the right-arm pacer struggled with his fitness and only played a couple of other matches, without making much of an impact.
The 22-year-old bowler from Delhi has only played one first-class match, picking up two wickets at an average of 23. He has the experience of 17 List A games and 14 T20s, claiming 34 and 19 scalps respectively.
Mayank enrolled in a special camp at NCA: Reports
As per The Times of India, Mayank has been enrolled in a special camp at the National Cricket Academy in Bengaluru after returning to full fitness. He had been struggling with a side strain after a great start to IPL 2024.
"Mayank hasn't complained of any pain over the last month or so. He is bowling full tilt at the NCA. The selectors are interested to see how ready he is for international cricket. With the long Test season ahead, the selectors are keen on trying new faces for the T20Is against Bangladesh," a BCCI source was quoted as telling the Times of India.
The report added that the special camp in which Mayank has been placed also includes the likes of Riyan Parag, Hardik Pandya and Abhishek Sharma.