‘You don't pick a sword to keep it in a sheath’ - Aakash Chopra positive about Mayank Yadav’s debut against Bangladesh

Former cricketer Aakash Chopra expects Mayank Yadav to make his international debut in the first T20I against Bangladesh on October 6 in Gwalior. The ace pacer created quite a buzz while playing for Lucknow Super Giants in IPL 2024 but an abdominal strain sidelined him after just four games and has not returned to professional cricket since.

He has been in the National Cricket Academy (NCA) since then and has trained hard to get back into the rhythm. He was expected to feature in the Duleep Trophy 2024 but the BCCI selectors did not want to risk him in red-ball cricket just yet and want him to find success in white-ball first. Meanwhile, he has regained full fitness and has been named in India’s squad for the T20I series against Bangladesh.

The Delhi-pacer has played just 14 T20 matches in his career so far but the BCCI has fast-tracked him to the national team given his potential. However, he has tough competition iat the moment, as Harshit Rana is also a part of the squad. The pacer had a brilliant IPL 2024 and is one of the other favourites to make his debut. Apart from that, Arshdeep Singh is also available for selection and the likes of Hardik Pandya and Shivam Dube can roll their arms if required.

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Analysing the situation, Chopra noted that keeping Mayank on the bench won’t be a smart choice as his raw pace can rattle any opponent. He stated that even Rana and Nitish Kumar Reddy can make their international debut but Mayank should be the first choice given the quality he brings to the table.

“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,” Chopra said on his YouTube channel.

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“Either you are a fast bowler or a medium pacer. It's either or. You have fast-tracked him. You have said that his first-class performances don't matter to you, or how much cricket he has played doesn't matter to you. So if you have picked him, play him. You don't pick a sword to keep it in a sheath," the former India opener added.