Never Thought India Call-up Will Come so Early - Mayank Markande

The 21-year old Mayank Markande must be on cloud nine. The prodigy leg-spinner was added to India’s T20I Squad for the two-match series against Australia. Markande has received his maiden call-up for the Indian team. In fact, the Punjab leg-spinner said he never thought that India call-up will come so early for him.

Meanwhile, Markande has impressed while playing for Punjab in the domestic circuit. Markande scalped a five-wicket haul for India A against England Lions which helped the hosts in winning by an innings and 68 runs. Consequently, he was rewarded for his good performance.

However, Markande wasn’t expecting such early rewards. In fact, the leg-spinner had impressed in his maiden stint for Mumbai Indians in the Indian Premier League.

“Get a national call-up is the biggest achievement in a player’s career. To be honest I was not expecting this. I did not think I would get included the national set-up this early. I consider myself really lucky,” said Markande as quoted by Indian Express.

Meanwhile, Mayank Markande had attracted eyeballs when he had plumbed MS Dhoni in front of the wickets. He had a sublime season for the Mumbai Indians as he scalped 15 wickets at an average of 24.73. In fact, he was the leading wicket-taker in the tourney at one stage.

“My performances in the Ranji Trophy along with meaningful performances for India A must have been noticed by the selectors. and I am really happy that they have given me a chance to prove myself,” he said.

The talented leg-spinner had continued his dream IPL form going into the domestic circuit. Markande scalped 34 wickets in seven first-class matches at a fine average of 21.36. Furthermore, he has scalped three five-wicket hauls in his young career. Markande revealed Rohit Sharma motivated him during the IPL days which helped his confidence.

“Sharing the Indian dressing room with Rohit Sharma will be special. He had motivated me a lot during the IPL. I always kept talking to him. He is a legend of the game now so I always try to learn as much as possible from him,” said Markande.

Meanwhile, the rookie spinner is not thinking too ahead to get a chance in the playing XI. However, the greenhorn spinner revealed his excitement when MS Dhoni will keep the wickets for him.

“As for now I am not even thinking about getting in the playing XI. But if I do then having MS Dhoni keep for me will be special.”

Mayank Markande has ticked the right boxes which have helped him get his chance for the national side. Markande has done a great job at the domestic circuit and he would like to impress if he gets a chance in the final XI.