'Definitely in the conversation for T20 World Cup' - Tom Moody feels Mayank Yadav is in contention for selection

The IPL 2024 has found an explosive pace bowling talent that has taken the tournament by storm. Lucknow Super Giants' Mayank Yadav has announced himself with two back-to-back Player of the Match performances. His raw pace and accuracy have sparked talks of the 21-year-old's potential inclusion in India's T20 World Cup squad.

On IPL debut against Punjab Kings, Mayank picked up 3/27 clocking 155.8 kph, the fastest delivery of the season at the time. He backed that up with incredible figures of 3/14 against Royal Challengers Bengaluru, bowling at 156.7 kph, the fastest delivery of IPL 2024 now. Along with sheer pace, his tight lines and variations have impressed the experts.

Also Read: Faf du Plessis impressed with Mayank Yadav's control and discipline

It would be crazy not to look at the players who are in form: Mitchell McClenaghan

Speaking on an ESPNcricinfo's show, former Australian cricketer Tom Moody believed that Mayank is definitely in the conversation for the T20 World Cup based on his current form.

"He is definitely in the conversation. Whether you take that risk punting on him or not is another conversation because you also need to consider what skillset you need in that reserve fast bowler, is it someone who is a powerplay bowler, or someone who can bowl at the death, all those subtle skillsets are important when you are talking about a T20 World Cup," he said.

His co-panelist Mitchell McClenaghan also had similar thoughts, "If his form continues throughout this tournament, the World Cup starts six days after the IPL, I think it would be crazy not to look at the players who are in form going into that tournament," McClenaghan said.

"He may not have the caps behind him, but if he continues this vein of form and can keep his pace up throughout the whole tournament and keep winning games - he has won two games in a row, his first two games - then you are right in the mix. Long shot but you wouldn't say never," he further added.

While acknowledging Mayank's inexperience, the experts argued that if he continues this level of performance through the IPL, he deserves consideration for the reserve fast bowler's role. Varun Aaron praised Mayank's maturity and his clean action allowing exceptional control for a fast bowler.

"I think no matter what the chatter is, he should focus on one game at a time, Because that is going to automatically help him make his case. With the kind of work he has put in in the last two games, that does bring a lot of eyeballs but it has to be repeated over some time. The T20 World Cup, I am sure, he is going to be a contender if he backs it up with a few more performances because he is bowling absolute gas," Varun said.

Also Read: Mayank Yadav opens up after back-to-back match-winning shows

Against RCB, Mayank gave just 14 runs in his four overs with 17 dot balls and not a single wide or no-ball in his spell. He dismissed the dangerous Glenn Maxwell, Cameron Green, and Rajat Patidar through sheer pace and mixture of length.