Mayank Markande wanted to become a fast bowler and ended up being leg-spinner

Like many aspiring cricketers, Mayank Markande also has a fascinating story to tell. The leggie who made headlines with his exceptional bowling skills on IPL debut in the last year’s tournament opener against the Chennai Super Kings (CSK), wanted to become a fast bowler during his early cricketing days. But Mayank obeyed his coach Munish Bali’s advice to become a wrist-spinner and it worked wonders for him.

Mayank played for the Mumbai Indians (MI) in the previous edition and after his exploits in the first game, went on to feature in all the league matches. He finished with 15 wickets to his name and though the teams had started to pick him by then, the youngster had managed to grab the eyeballs of the selectors. He was drafted into the India A side soon and after grooming enough, has been picked in the Indian team for the upcoming T20Is against Australia.

Interestingly, Mayank Markande had gone to his coach to become a fast bowler first and after assessing him, Bali felt he could become a good spinner. “Mayank, you don’t have the physique to become a fast bowler. You don’t have much energy in your arms,” Bali recalled of saying to Mayank while speaking to the Times of India.

Sir’s advice changed my life

Mayank Markande also credited his success to his coach and said that his advice turned his life decisively. “Bali sir asked me start bowling spin, as I didn’t have much power in my arms. I wanted to become a fast bowler but Bali sir’s advice changed my life,” the 21-year-old said.

On the very same day of his selection, Mayank had picked a sensational five-wicket haul in the second unofficial Test against England Lions for India A. His efforts didn’t go unnoticed and with Kuldeep Yadav rested, the youngster might even make his international debut against Australia.

When the news of the team selection broke through, Mayank Markande was in Mysore with India A side and didn’t know anything unless he came back to the dressing room. Moreover, he checked the BCCI‘s website to confirm and first gave the good news to his parents.

“I was in Mysore and was playing against England Lions. When I came back to the dressing room, I saw that my phone was blinking. There were lots of missed calls and messages. I was surprised to see so many messages and calls. Those were all congratulatory messages for my India call-up.

“Honestly, I was shocked. I immediately checked the BCCI’s website and only then believed the news to be true. I was so happy and speechless because I didn’t expect the call-up. I called my parents to share the news. They were so happy and emotional,” he recalled.

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