Mayank Yadav still very fragile!! Shocking details revealed by Aakash Chopra after pacer's India debut

Former Indian cricketer Aakash Chopra was impressed with young pacer Mayank Yadav's spell during the first T20I match against Bangladesh. Aakash Chopra stated that Mayank Yadav didn't try to bowl at speeds over 150 kph and added that the pacer looked slightly nervous when he started his spell.

Mayank Yadav received his maiden T20I cap during the first T20I match against Bangladesh at the New Madhavrao Scindia Cricket Stadium in Gwalior on Sunday, October 6. The tearaway fast bowler started his career with a maiden over. He picked up one wicket and conceded just 21 runs in four overs.

Mayank Yadav Hadn't Played Cricket For Four Months - Aakash Chopra

In a video shared on his YouTube channel, Chopra said that Mayank focused on accuracy rather than speed, especially after returning from an injury. Chopra said that Mayank wasn't pushing for high speeds of 150-160 kph as he hadn't played cricket for four months.

"Two players made their debut - Nitish Kumar Reddy and Mayank Yadav. 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.

"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," he added.

Mayank gained attention during the IPL 2024 season while playing for the Lucknow Super Giants. The fast bowler showed his express pace and took seven wickets in only four matches before being sidelined by an injury. He bowled the fastest delivery of the competition at 156.7 kph in the IPL 2024.

Mayank Yadav Bowled At A Good Pace - Aakash Chopra

The cricketer-turned-commentator said that Mayank Yadav has the ingredients to be a valuable asset for the Indian cricket team. He noted that Mayank bowled at a good pace and added the Indian team will likely give him time.

"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 further stated in the video.

Nitish Kumar Reddy was made to bowl first - Aakash Chopra

In the same video, Aakash Chopra said that Nitish Kumar Reddy also performed well in his debut match. However, he said that the Sunrisers Hyderabad and Lucknow Super Giants might be questioning the decision to give debut caps to Reddy and Mayank Yadav.

"Nitish Kumar Reddy was made to bowl first. He bowled decently and in the right areas. He has also been fast-tracked and he hit a very good shot for a six against spin when he came to bat. Along with that, a thing came to the SunRisers Hyderabad and Lucknow Super Giants' minds - why did you do this?" he said.

Hardik Pandya and Nitish Kumar Reddy formed an unbeaten partnership of 52 runs for the fourth wicket. Reddy scored an unbeaten 16 runs off 15 balls, including a six. India took a 1-0 lead in the three-match series. They aim to secure the series victory in the second T20I in Delhi on October 9.

Also read: Hardik Pandya or Nitish Kumar Reddy? Dinesh Karthik's blunt verdict on the fast bowling all-rounder debate