New Delhi, India

The scouting for the final 15 for the 2024 T20 World Cup in the USA and the Caribbean has already begun, and former India chief selector MSK Prasad has backed the ‘find of IPL 2024’ Mayank Yadav to break into the side for the marquee tournament. Prasad feels that with Yadav’s pace and Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj’s presence in the XI, India can be a dangerous team to take on.

Advertisment

Since his IPL debut for Lucknow Super Giants against Punjab Kings this season, Yadav has made headlines, not just for his searing pace, which reads over 156 kmph on the meter, but also for bowling wicket-taking line and length up front. His bouncers are as lethal as his good-length deliveries, with even the best of batters finding it tough to tackle him.

His debut outing against PBKS saw him returning with three wickets, while against RCB in his second game, he picked as many wickets for just 14 runs, winning Player of the Match awards in back-to-back games.

Impressed with the youngster’s temperament and ability to deliver under pressure and against some of the top names, MSK feels if the selectors back the youngster to be a surprise pick for the 20-team tournament, the Indian Team could reap its rewards.

Advertisment

ALSO READ: Brian Lara against Rohit Sharma-Virat Kohli as Indian opening pair for T20 World Cup

Prasad continues saying that had it been any other format, he would have overlooked Mayank for now, but with the shortest format, he would like to see him break into the team.

“Had it been some other format, probably, I would have thought differently. I would have taken a call only after watching him for a couple of bilateral series. But IPL is in itself a mega platform where you can showcase your talent because every game involves pressure." 

Advertisment

“Mayank is someone who has shown he can absorb pressure and bowl consistently at a good line, and he has already troubled the best of the lot with his pace,” Prasad told RevSportz.

“If they (batters) are not able to bring the bat down against the pace he has been generating, I think he will be handy. And looking at the Indian bowling, especially with (Mohammed) Shami now being ruled out, the selectors must be looking for a third seamer after (Jasprit) Bumrah and (Mohammed) Siraj.” 

“Someone with that kind of pace and accuracy deserves a place in the T20 World Cup squad,” the former chief selector added.

Meanwhile, the 15-man squad for the T20 World Cup is expected to be announced by the end of this month, with the selectors keeping an eye on all players, including the emerging stars.