Tom Moody cautioned against India hastily selecting Lucknow Super Giants’ Mayank Yadav for the T20 World Cup, advocating for a patient approach.
Tom Moody cautioned the BCCI chief selector against rushing to pick Mayank Yadav for the T20 World Cup, suggesting instead to focus on preparing him for the 2026 edition, despite the 21-year-old’s impressive performance in the IPL. Mayank’s rapid bowling, clocking speeds of up to 156.7 kmph, and impactful six-wicket haul in three matches have drawn attention. However, concerns arose during a match against Gujarat Titans when Mayank had to leave the field after bowling just one over due to a decline in pace and conceding 13 runs.
Moody emphasized the importance of not making hasty decisions based on limited appearances, stressing the need to assess Mayank’s performance over a longer period and in various situations before considering him for major tournaments like the World Cup.
“I’ve loved what I saw for a first couple of games, it was quite extraordinary to the point you want to see the replays of that game. But you cannot have a knee-jerk reaction and pick him in the World Cup, when he has only played two games and got injured,” Moody was quoted as saying to ESPNCricinfo.
“You don’t really know what he’s capable of doing over a long period of time, under pressure and in different roles. Yes, he’s an absolute lock for the future, and looks after the asset. For me, it’s the 2026 World Cup you should be looking at (with him),” he added.
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With the T20 World Cup fast approaching, India’s squad selection remains uncertain. While Jasprit Bumrah’s IPL form solidifies his role as the lead pacer, Mohammed Siraj’s recent struggles cast doubt on who will partner Bumrah as the second fast bowler in the team.
Last Updated on April 19, 2024
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