India lost the second T20I in Ranchi despite Mayank Yadav running through the West Indies top order.
Former India opener Aakash Chopra highly praised pace sensation Mayank Yadav for hitting his top speeds during the second T20I against the West Indies in Ranchi on Friday (October 9).
Despite India being unable to defend their massive total of 249/5, Mayank’s fiery performance stood out as a major positive.
Speaking on JioStar, Chopra emphasized that the 3-wicket haul was a vital validation and confidence boost for the young fast bowler, who had recently returned from an extended injury lay-off.
“In the last match, he went for a few runs. Also, you're obviously nervous when making a comeback. This is top-flight cricket, and you understand that you are playing on good batting wickets in India and coming back after a lay-off,” Chopra said.
Mayank breathed fire early on, claiming three crucial powerplay wickets. He dismissed Kamil Pooran and absolutely castled Shimron Hetmyer for a golden duck with a sharp, 144 kmph delivery that nipped back into the stumps.
Chopra described the delivery to Hetmyer as an "absolute peach," adding that the spell proved what express pace can do to cramp and embarrass top batters. Mayank also clocked up to 149.5 kmph to clean up Rovman Powell later in the powerplay.
“So, getting that wicket early, although he had conceded a boundary before that, dismissing Kamil Pooran was a good start. The next one, to dismiss Shimron Hetmyer, was an absolute peach. It tells you what pace can do, how it can cramp you and how it can slightly embarrass you,” Chopra added.
Highlighting the mental toll of injuries, Chopra stated that spending six to eight months in isolation rehabbing makes a player feel like they are "living in a cave." He viewed Mayank clocking high speed again as the ultimate reassurance that his body and pace are fully back.
“And the last one, again, was nearly 150 clicks. It was the final over of the powerplay, which usually goes for runs, so getting another wicket was a huge validation for himself because, after rehab, that thing always stays in the back of your mind: ‘Will I get injured again?' That memory of pain stays with you until it doesn't.
“Because you live alone for six to eight months, it's like you're living in a cave. Everyone else is playing, and you're just watching and waiting for your turn. So, what he did in this game, more than the wickets, was the validation that he can get back to bowling at that high pace,” he remarked.
Despite Mayank Yadav’s heroics with the ball, India lost the Ranchi T20I by six wickets. Chasing 250, skipper Shai Hope smashed a spectacular, unbeaten 102 off 45 balls, anchoring a flawless counter-attack. He put together a ruthless 120-run partnership with Sherfane Rutherford, who blazed 84 runs off just 37 deliveries as the visitors crossed the line at 252/4 in 18.3 overs.