'BCCI showing him Haris Rauf's videos' - Pakistan journalist criticised over absurd Mayank Yadav claim

Mayank Yadav has been the talk of the town lately after his recent match-winning bowling displays. The young Indian pacer has made an instant impact in the ongoing season of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024, drawing praise from former cricketers and experts. However, a recent claim made by a Pakistani sports journalist has sparked criticism.

The Pakistani reporter made a bizarre claim that the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is showing Mayank Yadav videos of Pakistani pacer Haris Rauf to prepare him for the upcoming ICC T20 World Cup 2024 match against Pakistan in June. 

"Mayank Yadav will be part of India's T20 World Cup squad. I assure you. You can take a screenshot of my post. India is getting him ready and he will play against Pakistan. BCCI is already showing him videos of Haris Rauf's spell against India in the last T20 World Cup. Former Pakistan bowling coach Morne Morkel is at LSG, he is getting Mayank ready," Farid said in a video posted by him on X (formerly Twitter).

Khan even went on to say that former Pakistan bowling coach Morne Morkel, who is part of the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) support staff, is working on Yadav to get him ready for the upcoming tournament. Farid Khan's claim has been widely criticised by fans.

Also read: Justin Langer playfully ribs Shoaib Akhtar following Mayank Yadav's record as IPL 2024's quickest bowler

 If you give him a bigger stage he will deliver: Manoj Tiwary

Yadav's performances in the IPL have been nothing short of impressive. Despite playing just two games so far, the 21-year-old has managed to impress everyone with his raw pace. In his debut match, he bowled the fastest delivery of IPL 2024, clocking in at 156.7 km/h against Punjab Kings. Former India batter Manoj Tiwary believes that if he were a selector, he would pick Yadav as India's third-choice pacer after Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Shami.

"If I was in Ajit Agarkar's position I would put him in. Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammad Shami and then him. Looking at Mayank's form, action, and release it looks like he is in control and it feels like if you give him a bigger stage, he will deliver. With IPL where many overseas players do come in and get them out, your confidence will also go up," Tiwary said in a discussion on Cricbuzz.

Also read: Mayank Yadav’s parents confident of son's India debut after IPL success

He is currently the third-highest wicket-taker in the tournament with six wickets in two matches. After back-to-back Player of the Match performances, Yadav will be next seen in action against Gujarat Titans in the 21st match of the season on 7th April.