India should play Mayank Yadav at 2026 T20 World Cup, not 2024: Tom Moody

Arguably the biggest household pick of the 2024 Indian Premier League has been Mayank Yadav. The 23-year-old pace sensation from West Delhi – also the land of Virat Kohli’s origins – has made only two appearances in the season but left plenty of jaws dropped following his 150 clicks ventures.

Given his early success, Mayank’s name has become a fan favorite for the Indian squad for the upcoming T20 World Cup in June.

Former World Cup winner with Australia, Tom Moody however, believes that India shouldn’t rush with the young talent just yet and groom him for the T20 World Cup two years down the line.

“I’ve loved what I saw for a first couple of games, it was quite extraordinary to the point you want to see the replays of that game. But you cannot have a knee-jerk reaction and pick him in the World Cup, when he has only played two games and got injured,” Moody told ESPNCricinfo.

“You don’t really know what he’s capable of doing over a long period of time, under pressure and in different roles. Yes, he’s an absolute lock for the future, and look after the asset. For me, it’s the 2026 World Cup you should be looking at (with him),” he added.

From his two outings so far, Mayank has six wickets to his name that includes the likes of Glenn Maxwell, Cameron Green, and Jonny Bairstow.

With less than two months remaining in the marquee tournament, India’s 15-player squad still has an air of uncertainty around it.

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In the bowling department, while Jasprit Bumrah’s form in the ongoing IPL only amplifies his position as the pace spearhead, Mohammed Siraj’s slump raises doubts as to who will accompany Bumrah as the second pacer.

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