Credit: X
The former India cricketer, Wasim Jaffer, named fast bowling sensation Mayank Yadav as his “dark horse” pick for the national team in their upcoming Test series in Australia, starting this November. When Wasim Jaffer was asked about whether India will win the Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) down under, he sounded quite upbeat about the team’s chances if their fast bowlers stay fit.
Notably, the first of the five Test matches between Australia and India in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25 will be played at the Optus Stadium in Perth from November 22 onwards. This will be the first five-match Test series between these two cricket nations in 33 years, with the fifth and the final matchup going down at the Sydney Cricket Ground from January 3 onwards next year.
Mayank Yadav is the dark horse provided he's fit and available: Wasim Jaffer
In a recent AMA session on the social media platform X, a fan asked Wasim Jaffer, “Who will win the BGT 2024-25 ?” In response, he said, “If Bumrah, Shami and Siraj stay fit and are able to play most of the series, India have a great opportunity for a hat-trick down under. Arshdeep could bring the left-arm option. And Mayank Yadav dark horse provided he's fit and available. #AUSvIND”.
Such high expectation from Mayank Yadav stems from the fact that he is a seriously quick fast bowler who can consistently bowl over 150kmph speeds, with great accuracy and precision. The 22-year-old made giant strides in the world of cricket in the recently concluded Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 season, picking up seven wickets in four matches at an economy of 6.98.
Before injuries cut short his IPL 2024 campaign with Lucknow Super Giants, Mayank Yadav picked two consecutive three-wicket hauls in the first two matches of the tournament. He rattled the Punjab Kings and Royal Challengers Bengaluru batters with his express pace, coupled with impressive lines and lengths, to walk away with two straight Player of the Match awards.
