"Exciting time ahead": Mayank Yadav’s arrival on international stage hailed by Irfan Pathan

India's young pace sensation, Mayank Yadav, is making waves after his thrilling debut on the international stage in the first T20I against Bangladesh in Gwalior. The fiery right-arm fast bowler is being hailed as a potential game-changer for Indian cricket.

After Team India won the first T20I against Bangladesh, Irfan Pathan posted an appreciation post for Mayank. The former Indian all-rounder believes that the young pacer’s introduction into the international arena couldn't have come at a better moment.

Irfan Pathan predicts a bright future for Mayank Yadav

Pathan expressed his enthusiasm for Mayank’s arrival on the biggest stage and predicted a bright future for him with the Indian cricket team. The legendary all-rounder also emphasized how this early exposure to high-level competition will sharpen Mayank’s skills and help him gain invaluable experience.

He believes that Mayank, with raw talent, speed, and determination, can lead the next generation of India's fast-bowling attack, expecting thrilling times ahead for the young pace gun. Pathan posted on X: “Mayank Yadav is getting the taste of international cricket at the right time. Exciting time ahead.”

Mayank Yadav getting the taste of international cricket at the right time. Exciting time ahead.

— Irfan Pathan (@IrfanPathan) October 7, 2024

Mayank Yadav joins elite club with maiden over on T20I debut

Meanwhile, Mayank Yadav has stormed into the cricketing world with a bang, etching his name in the record books by bowling a maiden over in his very first international match on Sunday. The rising pace star achieved this remarkable feat during the first T20I match between India and Bangladesh.

This significant achievement places him among an elite group of Indian bowlers like the former Indian pacer and current chief selector Ajit Agarkar and his senior teammate Arshdeep Singh, who also bowled maiden overs on their T20I debuts.

Maiden over bowled on T20I debut for India:

Ajit Agarkar: Debut in 2006

Khaleel Ahmed: Debut in 2018

Arshdeep Singh: Debut in 2022

Navdeep Saini: Debut in 2019

Mayank Yadav: Debut in 2024

It was not just Mayank’s ability to keep the opposition quiet, but also his blistering pace. Clocking in at an impressive 149.9 kmph during his spell, Mayank has already shown why he’s being touted as a future pillar of India’s pace attack. His ability to consistently generate fearsome speed with control makes him a dangerous weapon for Team India.

Notably, the 22-year-old pacer’s jaw-dropping 156.7 kmph delivery during the IPL 2024 had sent shockwaves through the cricket world, and it remains the fastest delivery by Mayak to date. With raw talent and fierce determination, the future looks incredibly bright for this emerging sensation.

I was determined to hit the proper lengths instead of bowling faster: Mayank Yadav

After the match, Mayak Yadav said, “Today I focused more on my body. Also, I was determined to hit the proper lengths instead of bowling faster. I didn't think about my speed. I just tried leaking the fewest runs possible and bowling at a proper line and length.”