Published: Apr 13, 2018, 04:58 PM (IST)
Edited: Apr 13, 2018, 04:58 PM (IST)
During VIVO IPL 2018 opener between Mumbai Indians (MI) and Chennai Super Kings (CSK), Rohit Sharma had mentioned in the toss that he has heard “good things” about Punjab youngster, Mayank Markande. Despite MI’s close defeat, Markande rose to the occasion with a 3-for. He bettered his performance in the second outing, during MI’s clash versus Sunrisers Hyderabad, to attain four scalps and become the Purple Cap holder. In two games, Markande has dismissed the likes of MS Dhoni, Wriddhiman Saha, Shikhar Dhawan, Manish Pandey, Shakib Al Hasan and Ambati Rayudu. Clearly, it is no mean feat and MI’s bowling coach, Shane Bond, has lauded the youngster’s temperament for bowling the lengths which forces a batsman to make a decision, and praised his consistency.
Bowling coach @ShaneBond27 shares his views on @MarkandeMayank’s impressive start to the season.#CricketMeriJaan pic.twitter.com/m7q93Oq4CW
— Mumbai Indians (@mipaltan) April 13, 2018
Bond also revealed that Markande’s good outing in the nets earned him a place in the playing XI, and he has carried that form into the match.
MI owe a lot to Markande for keeping them in the hunt in both their games so far in the current edition. Despite finishing second, Rohit has resorted to Markande for quick wickets. The wrist spinner has responded every time, and possesses an average of 6.57 and economy rate of 5.57 at present.
MI hope be hoping for another rollicking performance from Markande when they host Delhi Daredevils (DD) at Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai on Saturday. The youngster has released a lot of pressure from experienced campaigners in form of Jasprit Bumrah and Mustafizur Rahman.
