“This will remain the best moment of my life” – Mayank Yadav on making his debut for India in the first T20I against Bangladesh

India’s rookie fast bowler Mayank Yadav was on cloud nine after making his T20I debut for the national team against Bangladesh at the New Madhavrao Scindia Cricket Stadium on Sunday. Yadav impressed on his debut as he returned with figures of 1-21 in his quota of four overs, accounting for veteran batter Mahmudullah.

The gun fast bowler bowled his first over as maiden and became only the third Indian pacer after Ajit Agakar and Arshdeep Singh to achieve the record.

Yadav had earned his maiden India call-up after taking seven wickets in four matches of the Indian Premier League 2024 while playing for Lucknow Super Giants. However, Yadav had not played any professional cricket in the last four months.

Yadav wrote on his Instagram account, “The best feeling for a cricketer is to play for his country and wearing the blue jersey for me it’s like a dream come true……this will remain the best moment of my life. I’m very grateful for God that he gave me strength and to all the people who helped me in my hard time and supported throughout.”

On the other hand, Yadav was given his maiden cap by former Indian spinner Murali Kartik. Kartik said the moment took him back by 25 years, when he received his debut cap from Sachin Tendulkar and Kapil Dev.

Kartik wrote on X, “What a memorable day for this Speed Merchant #MayankYadav ..it took me back 25 yrs when I received my cap from Sachin& Kapil paaji… A touching moment for me personally to be asked to present the cap by @GautamGambhir …a wonderful gesture.”

Meanwhile, India registered a thumping seven-wicket win to take a 1-0 lead in the series. 

The second match of the series will be played at the Arun Jaitley Stadium, Delhi on Wednesday.