Mayank took the cricketing world by storm with his express pace in the IPL 2024.
According to a report published in TOI, the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) pacer is part of a special camp at the National Cricket Academy (NCA) in Bengaluru these days along with Hardik Pandya, Riyan Parag, and Abhishek Sharma.
“Mayank hasn’t complained of any pain over the last month or so. He is bowling full tilt at the NCA. The selectors are interested to see how ready he is for international cricket. With the long Test season ahead, the selectors are keen on trying new faces for the T20Is against Bangladesh. Pandya has not played competitive cricket for nearly a couple of months. Even Abhishek needs some quality practice,” a source was quoted as saying by TOI.
The Indian team management is expected to introduce fresh faces for the T20I series against Bangladesh by resting most of the Test regulars. Mayank, who is yet to represent India, is in line to get a call-up for the series, slated to get underway on October 6 in Gwalior.
“Mayank is bowling close to 20 overs with the white ball in three separate spells in a day. There is a strong chance of selectors picking him for the Bangladesh series after seeing him in the camp at NCA. Agarkar is slated to travel to Bengaluru to attend the inauguration of the new NCA,” the source said.
The report also claimed that Mayank could be asked by selectors to travel with the Indian team during the three-Test series against New Zealand at home next month.
However, the 22-year-old tearaway quick is yet to receive clearance to play in the Ranji Trophy, which starts on October 11.
“The selectors don’t want him to be restricted to just the T20 format. Therefore, they want to carefully monitor his progress. India head coach Gautam Gambhir and bowling coach Morne Morkel rate Mayank highly since their time at Lucknow Super Giants,” he said.
Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj are all set to be rested for the T20I series against Bangladesh. In their absence, Arshdeep Singh will spearhead India’s pace attack. Avesh Khan, Harshit Rana, Khaleel Ahmed, and Mukesh Kumar are other fast bowling options to get picked for the three-match series.
(With TOI Inputs)