"Only one opportunity": Mayank Yadav reflects on Gambhir's advice after India selection

Mayank Yadav proved the ultimate revelation of IPL 2024 when he took the field for Lucknow Super Giants. The 21-year-old pacer consistently clocked over 150 kph deliveries in his debut season. While Yadav couldn’t feature in the whole season due to injury scares, India identified Yadav as one of the key players to nurture as a lethal pacer for the future. Thus, now as India embarks on a fresh T20I journey after the sensational T20 World Cup win 2024, the selectors were quick to call up Yadav for the upcoming India vs Bangladesh T20I series. Now, as the youngster soaks in the selection, he has opened about an invaluable advice received from the current Indian head coach Gautam Gambhir.

Mayank Yadav opens up about his selection for the India vs Bangladesh T20I series

After his stint in IPL 2024, Yadav is widely recognized as one of the fastest bowlers in the world. Banking on his unusual pace, Mayank Yadav has earned a well-deserved call-up to the Indian squad for the upcoming T20I series against Bangladesh. Leveraging his stellar performances in IPL 2024, Mayank now aims to make a significant impact on the international stage. Talking about his selection in the India squad, Yadav expressed that he got to know of his inclusion through the BCCI website.

“I wasn't aware of the selection. "But I saw my mates here receiving congratulatory calls. I just checked the BCCI website and got to know my name was there," Mayank said. “Once I put down the phone, I had flashbacks in front of my eyes-from the day I first went to Sonnet Club to the four anxious months spent at the NCA to recover from frequent niggles," he exclaimed.

The young pacer will be working alongside head coach Gautam Gambhir in the India squad. The collaboration, however, is not something new for Mayank. Mayank and Gambhir have previously worked together when Gambhir was serving as the mentor for LSG. Recalling his experiences with Gambhir, Mayank shared an anecdote in which the former India opener helped shape his career trajectory and mindset.

"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,” Yadav said.

"The day after my IPL debut, I got offers for my bowling shoes. As far as Morne is concerned, he doesn't speak much. If he observes anything then he will come and point it out. He will mostly talk about strategies" he added.

During IPL 2024, Mayank set a new record for the fastest delivery in IPL history, clocking 156.7 kmph. Now, as India prepares for the T20I series against Bangladesh at home, it will be up to see if Yadav is put into action immediately. Along with Yadav, the Indian pace lineup consists of Arshdeep Singh and Harshit Rana. While Arshdeep is a seasoned pick now, Harshit Rana will also vouch for his maiden cap in the India vs Bangladesh T20I series.