IND vs BAN 2024: Aakash Chopra explains why Mayank Yadav wasn't bowling 150-160 kmph in first T20I
"There were a few butterflies in his stomach. There was a little nervous energy as well," Chopra said.
Young speedster Mayank Yadav didn't have to wait too long to make his international debut as he played the first T20I between India and Bangladesh on Sunday, October 6, at the New Madhavrao Scindia Cricket Stadium. After impressing cricket enthusiasts with his ability to bowl at speeds in excess of 150 kmph speed consistently during the Indian Premier League (IPL) earlier this year, the hype around the 22-year-old was incredible.
While he rattled the Bangladeshi batters with his pace during the first T20I, he wasn't bowling as quickly as he did during the IPL. To put things into perspective, Yadav bowled a ball at 156.7 kmph during the IPL and threatened to beat his own record on several occasions. However, during the first T20I, he couldn't cross the mark of 150 kmph.
Aakash Chopra said that the pacer was returning from an injury and that is why he wasn't pushing himself fully. The former India opener also felt that the youngster was nervous as he was playing his first match in India colours.
"Mayank Yadav bowled his first over as a maiden - Mayank 'Gatimaan' Yadav. He hadn't played cricket for four months. He was coming back after an injury. There were a few butterflies in his stomach. There was a little nervous energy as well," Chopra said in a video on his YouTube channel.
"However, he started well and tried to bowl in straight lines. He wasn't trying to reach 150-160 kph because there was a little more focus on the body - 'Let's not push myself because I am coming back after an injury'. However, there is no doubt that this bowler has pace," said the cricketer-turned-expert.
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He bowled at a good pace, showed he's got the ingredients: Chopra
Besides, Aakash Chopra also asserted that Yadav has got good pace and all the necessary tools essential to become a lethal weapon in India's bowling attack. The 47-year-old felt that the Indian team would be giving the New Delhi-born the time he needed to hone his skills.
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"He bowled at a good pace and showed that he has got the ingredients. You are seeing the ingredients as of now with which an excellent dish can be prepared. However, that will take some time and the Indian team will give him time, that's what I feel," Chopra concluded.
Notably, Team India won the first T20I comfortably as they bowled out the Tigers for just 127 before successfully chasing the paltry score in 11.5 overs with seven wickets to spare. The second game takes place on Wednesday, October 9 at the Arun Jaitley Stadium, in New Delhi.
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