Former Indian cricketer Aakash Chopra has voiced strong support for young pace bowler Mayank Yadav, advocating for his inclusion in the Indian team for the first T20I against Bangladesh.
Chopra emphasized that if the selectors have made the decision to include Mayank in the squad, he should be given a chance to play, likening it to not picking a sword just to keep it sheathed.
Aakash said that Mayank, all-rounder Nitish Kumar Reddy and pacer Harshit Rana could debut during the match and their respective IPL franchises will watch it very closely as they could be retained as ‘uncapped players’ by them if they do not play.
“It is a big question (if Mayank should play). There are three contenders who not only we but even the franchises will have their eyes on because Mayank Yadav can be retained for four crores if he doesn’t become a capped Indian. Similarly, KKR can retain Harshit Rana and the SunRisers Hyderabad can retain Nitish Kumar Reddy for four crores if they don’t become capped Indians.”
“Either you are a fast bowler or a medium pacer. It is either or. You have fast-tracked him. You have said that his first-class performances do not matter to you, or how much cricket he has played doesn’t matter to you. So if you have picked him, play him. You do not pick a sword to keep it in a sheath,” the former India opener added.
Aakash said that he sees three fast bowlers playing, Arshdeep Singh, Harshit and Mayank.
“Unleash some pace and see how it happens,” he added.
The Indian squad for the T20I series against Bangladesh has seen some changes, notably with Shivam Dube ruled out due to injury and replaced by Tilak Varma.
Chopra’s insights underscore the importance of nurturing young talent in Indian cricket, especially in a format where pace bowlers can significantly impact the game.
