NEW DELHI: Speed sensation Mayank Yadav played just four Indian Premier League (IPL) matches for Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) last season, but the impact he created in them was good enough for the Indian selectors to fast-track him into the Indian T20I team.
As Mayank rattled the top batters from around the world in the IPL with his sheer pace — consistently hitting 150 kph mark — India T20I skipper Suryakumar Yadav sees the X-factor in the young star.
In the IPL, Mayank hit 156.7kph — the fastest delivery in the league — against Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) and for India T20I captain, the series against Bangladesh is a chance for Mayank to make an impact.
Surya said he did not play him in the practice sessions in Gwalior; but like everyone else, he was impressed with the speedster.
“The series is a good chance for the youngsters. Mayank has that X-factor and others as well. I have not played in my nets thus far. But have seen his potential and the impact he can make,” said the skipper.
Surya, however, did not disclose whether the 22-year-old will make his debut in the opener or not.
“We were discussing the team just now. If you asked me 10 minutes later I would have told you whether he would play or not. But surely he has that extra pace. Need to manage him properly. There is a lot of cricket going on both international and domestic circuit,” said Surya,
“He is a good addition to the Indian team,” he said referring to Mayank who has not played since suffering a side strain in the IPL back in April. “He is doing his fitness (drills) as well,” added the skipper.
In the presser, Surya also confirmed that Sanju Samson will play as an opener in the series alongside Abhishek Sharma.
“Sanju will open in this series,” he said.
Surya was seen bowling in the previous series against Sri Lanka and is all for batters rolling their arm over for an over or two if the situation demands.
“It can only be good if we can get couple of overs from the batters. In this squad most of them can bowl. We saw that in Sri Lanka as well. If you have the skill why not,” he concluded.