NEW DELHI:
Kagiso Rabada
, the pace spearhead for both
South Africa
and Punjab Kings, is thoroughly impressed by the raw speed and precision exhibited by
Mayank Yadav
. He sees the young fast bowler as a "potential pick" for India's squad in the upcoming
T20 World Cup
.
Hailing from Delhi and aged just 21, Mayank Yadav has consistently pushed the boundaries of speed with each match he plays.
His recent thunderbolt clocked at 156.7 kmph against Royal Challengers Bangalore exemplifies his rapid progress. This performance marked his second consecutive man-of-the-match display in his debut season, steering Lucknow Super Giants to a resounding victory.
Rabada himself experienced Mayank's ferocity firsthand when Punjab Kings faced Lucknow Super Giants last week. Mayank's barrage of short-pitched deliveries proved formidable as he claimed three wickets with his blistering pace. Rabada, widely regarded as one of the premier pacers in the sport, also commended Mayank's remarkable accuracy.
"He has got something that you cannot buy and that is raw pace. That is exactly what he is exploiting and exploiting it extremely well," Rabada told PTI in an interview.
"The lengths that he hits, his plan is clear and now batters are going to be aware of what he can bring to the party but it is pretty obvious he has got immense pace and it seems he can control where he wants to bowl.
"When you have got pace and control as well, and he understands his role. So, when you have got clarity, it is no surprise that he is turning out performances like that," said Rabada.
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Despite having played only two games in the IPL, Mayank's name is already making rounds in discussions regarding India's squad for the T20 World Cup in the USA and the Caribbean. Rabada, sharing the sentiment, believes that Mayank cannot be overlooked when considering selections for the prestigious tournament.
"At this stage, he is looking hot and I have no doubt selectors will be looking at him at as a potential guy in the team but that is none of my business. To my understanding, he will definitely be looked at as a potential pick."
'Available for each and every game this IPL'
The
IPL 2024
holds heightened significance as it serves as a crucial precursor to the T20 World Cup in June, where Rabada aims to contribute to South Africa's quest for an elusive ICC title.
However, Rabada maintains unwavering dedication to Punjab Kings' campaign for the current season, prioritizing his responsibilities with the franchise before the international stage.
"My goal is to play each and every game and to make myself available for each and every game this IPL. The rest is up to the coach and management.
"Leading up to the World Cup, if picked, it is something that I would love to be involved in. The IPL would definitely be a test to see where you are at and and see where you can be a bit better and brush up. At the same time, it is about trying to win games for the Punjab Kings."
Rabada's hunger for titles burns brightly, with aspirations of securing both South Africa's elusive ICC trophy and an IPL championship within the next three months. While Delhi Capitals came close to clinching the IPL title in 2020, Rabada remains determined to achieve a trophy double.
In contrast to his South African teammate
Quinton de Kock
's divisive opinion, who touted the IPL as the pinnacle of his career achievements after triumphing with Mumbai Indians, Rabada stops short of such a declaration. Nevertheless, he acknowledges the IPL's unparalleled significance in the realm of franchise cricket, considering it the foremost prize in the global cricketing arena.
"The IPL is the biggest T20 league in the world barring the ICC events. It seems to be a league that is growing from strength to strength, attracting the world's best players
"He (de Kock) is right in saying it...IPL is definitely the best out there. I still think the country takes precedence over any sort of league you play.
'"However, winning the IPL would be monstrous and would be a huge achievement and a tick off the bucket list. We came so close with Delhi but now with Punjab, we are hoping this could be our year."
On the season so far, he added: "What is missing is a team performance, we got the team, we have got the players and each player has to take responsibility."
(With PTI inputs)
English (US) ·