Farid Khan, a sports journalist hailing from Pakistan, found himself under scrutiny from fans due to his bold prediction regarding Indian fast bowler Mayank Yadav.
In a widely circulated video, Farid asserted that Mayank would secure a spot in India’s T20 World Cup 2024 squad and that the team management is already prepping him for the game against Pakistan, slated for June 9 in New York, by showing him footage of Pakistani pacer Haris Rauf.
Mayank, who recently debuted for the Lucknow Super Giants in the IPL, has quickly gained attention for his impressive performances and his ability to bowl 155KMPH+.
Despite having played just two matches, Mayank has impressed former cricketers and experts alike with his remarkable speed. During the match against RCB, he bowled the fastest delivery of the IPL 2024 season, clocking at 156.7.
In his two outings, Mayank has taken six wickets while conceding only 41 runs. Many pundits believe that the 21-year-old has the potential to represent India in the near future.
Commenting on Mayank’s prospects, Farid suggested that Morne Morkel, former Pakistan bowling coach now part of LSG’s support staff, is grooming Mayank for the T20 World Cup, particularly for India’s clash against Pakistan.
Farid’s assertions were shared in a video posted on X (formerly Twitter), where he confidently stated, “Mayank Yadav will be part of India’s T20 World Cup squad. I assure you. You can take a screenshot of my post. India are 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.”
Mayank Yadav will play against Pakistan in T20 World Cup 2024. BCCI is already showing him videos of Haris Rauf 🇮🇳🇵🇰🔥
— Farid Khan (@_FaridKhan) April 3, 2024
Former Pakistan bowling coach Morne Morkel also working with Mayank in Lucknow, and making plans for Babar Azam & Saim Ayub 😭😭#tapmad #HojaoADFree #IPL2024 pic.twitter.com/skzUhmxBoQ
"BCCI is already showing him videos of Haris Rauf" Why? To show him how not to bowl? lol
— Me$$! fan B@rca Supporter (@Joshia206) April 3, 2024
Haris rauf ki video dikha k usse btare han kaha ball ni karni h
— SportsFan India (@india_sportsfan) April 4, 2024
Meanwhile, former Indian cricketer Manoj Tiwary expressed his endorsement of Mayank, suggesting that if he were a selector, he would include Mayank as India’s third-choice pacer after Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Shami. Tiwary emphasized Mayank’s form, action, and composure, indicating that he has the potential to shine on the international stage, especially given his performances in the IPL.
