Former Indian Test batter Cheteshwar Pujara believes Mayank Yadav was a bit nervous in the opening T20I against the West Indies at the Ekana Cricket Stadium, Lucknow on Tuesday. Yadav returned with expensive figures of 1-40 in his quota of four overs in the series opener.
Pujara urged the Delhi fast bowler to focus on bowling the right line and length and not only try to bowl fast. Yadav’s extra pace is his biggest strength but he can be taken for runs if he fails to hit the right line and length.
Cheteshwar Pujara said on Cricinfo, “I think he was a bit nervous. He has good pace. That’s a positive for him. But he will have to understand very quickly that, in the T20 format, it’s not about pace. It’s always about your line and length. His line and length both were not up to the mark in the first over. If he gets an opportunity to play in the second T20 international, he will have to be spot on from the first ball onwards.
“Try and keep it very simple. I know it’s the T20 format, but try and bowl on top of off, which you always do it in the Test format,” Pujara added.
The former Indian number three Test batter said he would retain Mayank Yadav in the playing XI for the second game.
“Yes, I would [retain him]. Initially, my playing XI before the first T20 included Prince Yadav. But since Prince hasn’t played the first game. Mayank got the opportunity. You don’t drop a player after one game. So, that’s why I think he should be part of the second game as well.”
The second T20I between India and the West Indies will be played on Friday.
