Immensely impressed by Mayank Yadav's raw speed and accuracy, South Africa and Punjab Kings pace spearhead Kagiso Rabada sees the fast bowling sensation as a "potential pick" in India's squad for the T20 World Cup.
The 21-year-old from Delhi has been pushing the speed barrier with every game and on Tuesday night, bowled a 156.7 kmph thunderbolt against Royal Challengers Bengaluru. It was his second straight Man of The Match performance in his debut season, leading Lucknow Super Giants to a convincing win.
Rabada's team Punjab Kings was at the receiving end of Mayank's barrage of short-pitched deliveries last week when the debutant struck thrice with his rattling pace. One of the best pacers in the game, the South African also spoke about Mayank's remarkable accuracy.
"He has got something that you cannot buy and that is raw pace. That is what exactly he is exploiting and exploiting it extremely well," Rabada told PTI in an interview.
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"The lengths that he hits, his plan is clear and now batters are going to be aware of what he can bring to the party but it is pretty obvious he has got immense pace and it seems he can control where he wants to bowl.
"When you have got pace and control as well, and he understands his role. So, when you have got clarity, it is no surprise that he is turning out performances like that," said Rabada.
Mayank is only two games old in the IPL but his name is already being discussed widely as a potential selection in India's squad for the T20 World Cup in the USA and Caribbean. Rabada too thinks he can't be overlooked.
"At this stage, he is looking hot and I have no doubt selectors will be looking at him at as a potential guy in the team but that is none of my business. To my understanding, he will definitely be looked at as a potential pick."
