India vs Australia 2019: "I Didn't Expect a Call-Up" - Mayank Markande on his Debut National Call

The 21-year-old cricketer Mayank Markande was taken by surprise after the selectors roped him for the T20I series against Australia starting from February 24. Mayank, however, gained mileage during his stint with Mumbai Indians during the last years IPL. Since then, he has made rapid strides making a mark in the domestic sides.

Meanwhile, like many, Mayank Markande also has a fascinating story to tell. Although he picked 15 wickets for Mumbai in IPL 2018, but he started his career as a fast bowler. 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. He also credited his childhood Munish Bali, a former domestic cricketer, for his rapid success.

“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 TOI.

“Bali sir asked me to 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,” he added.

Surprised by the call

On the same day of his debut call, Mayank Markande bagged a five-wicket haul in the second unofficial Test against England Lions for India A. With Kuldeep Yadav rested; the young leg-spinner is likely to 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 concluded.