India vs Bangladesh T20: India’s pace sensation Mayank Yadav on October 6 made a successful T20I debut against Bangladesh in Gwalior. Mayank started with a maiden over and then claimed the wicket of veteran batter Mahmudullah in the eighth over. After the match, Mayank revealed he was nervous about the game and head coach Gautam Gambhir told him to treat it as a normal game and focus on the process instead of thinking too much.
"Nothing extra, he asked me to stick to the basics and do the things that have yielded positive results for me in the past. He asked me not to think much about trying different things or even think that it was an international game. Following the process was the key," Mayank told JioCinema when asked about his interaction with Gambhir.
Focus on accuracy than pace
Mayank who took the Indian Premier League (IPL) by storm with his breakneck speed did not focus on bowling fast on his T20I debut. He bowled a few slower ones as well. After having a conversation with captain Suryakumar Yadav, he decided to stick to his stock deliveries.
"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 least runs possible and bowling at a proper line and length,” the Delhi youngster said.
"I did bowl the slower ones in the IPL as well but not much. I had a word with my captain and he asked me to rely on my stock ball more than trying out variations. But coming to Gwalior, the wicket didn't have much bounce so I changed my pace accordingly.”
Mayank on his comeback
Mayank also recalled his recovery period at the National Cricket Academy (NCA) and how lack of competitive cricket in between led to him getting nervous before his T20I debut.
"I was indeed excited but was a bit more nervous. This series marked my comeback after the injury. I didn't play competitive cricket and then directly made my debut. That's why I was a little more nervous," the 22-year-old said.
"The recovery period was tough for more. Quite a lot of ups and downs were there in the last 4 months. But more than me, it was tougher for the people who worked with me," he added.
Mayank’s rare feat
Mayank conceded 21 runs from his full quota of four overs. He joined the rare list of Indian bowlers including current chief selector Ajit Agarkar to bowl a maiden over on T20I debut. He helped the hosts bowl out Bangladesh for 127. India won the first T20I by seven wickets with 49 balls in hand.
