Young fast bowler Mayank Yadav has been a revelation for Lucknow Supergiants in the ongoing IPL 2024 as the youngster delivered a match-winning performance on his debut. He took three wickets against Kings XI Punjab and impressed everyone with his quick pace. Mayank then struck again against Royal Challengers Bangalore, where he recorded the fastest serve in the tournament this year at 156.7 kmph. Although he suffered a side strain in the next game and is yet to return, his performance was enough to spark discussions that he might find a place in the Indian team for the upcoming 2024 T20 World Cup.

Former Australia cricketer Tom Moody has praised Mayank’s bowling but warned the Ajit Agarkar-led selection panel against taking impulsive decisions while deciding to include the pacer in the World Cup squad. He added that the 2026 World Cup seemed the best time to give him a chance.

“I liked what I saw in the first few games and it was so extraordinary that you wanted to see a replay of that game. But you can’t subconsciously pick him in the World Cup because he only played two games The game just hurt,” Moody said on ESPNCricinfo.

“You really don’t know what he can do over a long period of time, under pressure, in different roles. Yeah, he’s definitely a lock for the future and will take care of the assets. To me, you should Watch the 2026 World Cup (with him),” he added.

Earlier, former New Zealand pacer Mitchell McClenaghan also expressed his views on the topic.

“If his form continues throughout the tournament, then the World Cup starts six days after the IPL and I think it would be crazy not to focus on players who are in good form for that tournament,” McClenaghan said.

“He may not have played for the national team but if he continues like this and is able to keep his pace throughout the game and continue to win games – he has won two games in a row and these are his first two games — then you’re right in the mix, but you can’t say never,” he added.