Hugely impressed by Mayank Yadav’s raw speed and accuracy, South Africa and Punjab Kings pacer Kagiso Rabada sees the fast bowling sensation as a “potential pick” in the Indian squad for the T20 World Cup . The 21-year-old from Delhi has broken the speed barrier in every match and on Tuesday night he smashed a thunderbolt of 156.7 kmph against Royal Challengers Bengaluru. It was his second straight man in the match performance in his debut season, leading Lucknow Super Giants to a convincing victory.
Rabada’s team Punjab Kings were on the receiving end of Mayank’s barrage of short deliveries last week as the debutant struck thrice with his rattling pace. The South African, one of the best pacers in the game, also spoke about Mayank’s remarkable accuracy.
“He has something you can’t buy and that is raw pace. That is exactly what he exploits and he exploits it extremely well,” Rabada told PTI in an interview.
“The lengths he’s hitting, his plan is clear and now batters will be aware of what he can bring to the party, but it’s quite clear he’s got tremendous pace and it looks like he can control where he wants to bowl .
“If you also have speed and control, and he understands his role. So if you have clarity, it is no surprise that he puts in such performances,” Rabada said.
Mayank is only two games old in the IPL, but his name is already being widely discussed as a possible selection in the Indian squad for the T20 World Cup in the US and the Caribbean. Rabada also believes that he cannot be overlooked.
“At this stage he looks good and I have no doubt that the selectors will see him as a potential player in the team, but that’s none of my business. From what I understand, he will certainly be seen as a potential choice.” .”
Available for every game this IPL
The IPL 2024 has taken on more significance as it precedes the T20 World Cup in June where Rabada will look to help South Africa win an elusive ICC title.
But before that, he remains fully committed to Punjab Kings’ campaign this season.
“My aim is to play every match and make myself available for every match this IPL. The rest is up to the coach and management.
“In the run-up to the World Cup, if I am chosen, it is something I would like to be involved in. The IPL would definitely be a test to see where you are and see where you can improve a little bit and freshen up. At the same time, it’s about winning games for Punjab Kings.” The closest Rabada came to winning the IPL was when Delhi Capitals reached the final in 2020. Hungry for titles for both South Africa and in the IPL, Rabada hopes to have a to win a double trophy.
His illustrious South African teammate Quinton de Kock had divided opinion by saying that the IPL is the biggest thing he has won in his career after winning the trophy with Mumbai Indians. Rabada wouldn’t go that far, but for him, IPL is by far the biggest prize in the world of franchise cricket.
“The IPL is the biggest T20 competition in the world, apart from the ICC events. It seems to be a competition that is going from strength to strength and attracting the best players in the world. “He (de Kock) is right when he says it. ..IPL is definitely the best out there. I still think country takes precedence over whatever league you play in.
“However, winning the IPL would be monstrous and a huge achievement and a tick on the bucket list. We were so close with Delhi, but now with Punjab we hope this can be our year.” On the season so far, he added: “What is missing is a team effort. We have the team, we have the players and every player must take responsibility.”
Rabada wants two bouncers to rule in international cricket too
The 28-year-old also believes that the two bouncers per over rule, which was introduced in the IPL this season, should make its way to the top level as well.
“I don’t see why not, it makes the game more balanced. As you have seen, a lot of runs have been scored, the wickets are better. It makes the game more interesting,” he opined.
“It makes both batters and bowlers think more about the game. It adds more to the strategy. From the fans’ perspective it adds another talking point. As a cricketer it gives you a lot more to work with, it allows batters to is able to find new ways to deal with the short ball.
“If you use it to your advantage, just like Mayank has used (for LSG), then it plays extremely well into his hands. Any team can use it as a weapon in their arsenal,” Rabada opined.
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