Mayank Yadav has got something that you cannot buy and that is raw pace: Kagiso Rabada

South African pace spearhead Kagiso Rabada showered praise on young fast bowler Mayank Yadav, emphasising his impressive display of raw speed and precision. Rabada feels the Lucknow Super Giants' star can be a "potential pick" for India's squad in the upcoming ICC T20 World Cup 2024 in June.

Yadav, hailing from Delhi, received widespread acclaim following his recent thunderbolt clocked at 156.7 kmph against the Royal Challengers Bengaluru. The 21-year-old finished with excellent figures of 3/14 in Lucknow's 28-run win in Bengaluru. Remarkably, his performance helped him win his second successive Player of the Match award in his debut IPL season.

Rabada had experienced Mayank's ferocious bowling when Punjab Kings locked horns with Super Giants last week. Mayank claimed a three-wicket haul with his blistering pace during that match. The South African praised the youngster's remarkable accuracy and his ability to execute his plans effectively on the pitch.

"He has got something that you cannot buy and that is raw pace. That is exactly what he is exploiting and exploiting it extremely well. The lengths that he hits, his plan is clear and now batters are going to be aware of what he can bring to the party but it is pretty obvious he has got immense pace and it seems he can control where he wants to bowl. When you have got pace and control as well, and he understands his role. So, when you have got clarity, it is no surprise that he is turning out performances like that. At this stage, he is looking hot and I have no doubt selectors will be looking at him at as a potential guy in the team but that is none of my business. To my understanding, he will definitely be looked at as a potential pick," Rabada was quoted as saying by the Times of India.

Also read: What is Mayank Yadav’s salary in IPL 2024?

My goal is to play each and every game: Rabada

The ongoing edition of the IPL is crucial as it leads up to the T20 World Cup which is scheduled to be co-hosted by USA and West Indies in June-July. Rabada looks to help his national side win the ICC title but for now, the 28-year-old is fully focused on playing for Punjab Kings.

"My goal is to play each and every game and to make myself available for each and every game this IPL. The rest is up to the coach and management. Leading up to the World Cup, if picked, it is something that I would love to be involved in. The IPL would definitely be a test to see where you are at and and see where you can be a bit better and brush up. At the same time, it is about trying to win games for the Punjab Kings," the Proteas star added.

His South African teammate Quinton de Kock had previously hailed the IPL as the pinnacle of his career achievements after winning the title with Mumbai Indians in 2019 and 2020. However, Rabada refrains from making such a statement, recognising the tournament's significance in franchise cricket. The youngster further opened up on his long-standing aspiration of winning the IPL.

Also read: 'He's a champion bowler' - Anil Kumble speaks highly of South African pace-bowling spearhead Kagiso Rabada

"The IPL is the biggest T20 league in the world barring the ICC events. It seems to be a league that is growing from strength to strength, attracting the world's best players. He (de Kock) is right in saying it...IPL is definitely the best out there. I still think the country takes precedence over any sort of league you play.

"However, winning the IPL would be monstrous and would be a huge achievement and a tick off the bucket list. We came so close with Delhi but now with Punjab, we are hoping this could be our year. On the season so far, What is missing is a team performance, we got the team, we have got the players and each player has to take responsibility," he concluded.