Mayank gears up for India debut

Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, February 16

Mayank Markande is on cloud nine. The selection in the India senior squad for the upcoming T20Is against Australia at home has come as a God-sent opportunity for the young leggie. 

“It was completely unexpected. I had no clue that I could be selected for the Indian squad. Whether I get an opportunity to play or not is a different matter, but to make it to the Indian squad is a big boost for me,” an elated Mayank said from Mysuru where he played a leading role in India A's win over England Lions. 

The 21-year-old took five wickets to spin India A to a convincing innings and 68-run win over the England side in the second unofficial Test. 

Barely a year after he made his T20 debut for Punjab in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy on January 14, 2018, Mayank has grown rapidly in stature in the domestic circuit. The Patiala lad has had a phenomenal year, shining in the IPL, Ranji Trophy, India A matches and the Asian Cricket Council Emerging Teams Cup. 

“I have had no off-season this year and was playing continuously from beginning to end. So, I have not had much time to add to my bowling skills, but yes, I have tried to learn to make use of the precious match-time,” said Markande, who, credits coach Munish Bali for his evolution as a leg-spinner from a wannabe fast bowler since his U-14 days.

Early years 

“He was 15, when we first got in touch and decided to work together on his bowling. He is a mystery spinner…and the most important thing is that he got this chance when he is performing at his peak. I believe his current form will help him earn a place in the playing eleven,” said Bali. 

Mayank's elevation to the top though has not been easy and the youngster had to work hard to make it to the international stage. “He has attained a level of maturity with the passage of time. I remember his face after he was dropped from the Punjab U-23 squad, but he remained in the process and today he has earned a place in the Indian squad. This is a golden chance for him to prove his mettle,” added the coach.

No looking back

Mayank was 11 when he first represented Punjab in the U-14 school nationals and since then there has been no looking back. “He left everything for cricket. It's his dream to play for India and I could feel the happiness within him when he broke the news of his selection to us on phone from Mysuru,” said Mayank's father Bikram Sharma, who is working as SDO in the Chief Electrical Inspectorate, Patiala. 

Mayank had a great IPL season with Mumbai Indians last year and it really helped in his progression as a cricketer, claimed his mother Sandeep Sharma.  

“The last IPL season was a real turning point for him, where he dismissed the likes of MS Dhoni. He has produced some outstanding performances for Punjab in the recent years and his hard work has finally reaped the dividends,” she said. 

Meanwhile, coach Mahesh Inder Singh Sodhi, who worked on Mayank's game in his early days, said: “He (Mayank) used to his roll his fingers like a spinner while bowling fast. After observing him for a while, we decided to turn him into a spinner. I personally wanted him to master the googly. He started early, which really helped.” \

Mayank in numbers

Mayank Markande was the third highest wicket-taker for Mumbai Indians in the last IPL edition. He picked 15 wickets in 14 matches at an average of 24.53. In domestic cricket, he has played seven first-class matches and picked 34 wickets at an average of 21.26, including three five-wicket hauls. In List A, Markande picked 45 wickets in 22 matches at 19.97.

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