Former India opener Wasim Jaffer has praised the young sensation of Lucknow Super Giants Mayank Yadav and claimed him as a dark horse for the upcoming Border Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25. India will travel to Australia for a five-match series starting on November 22. This will be the first time in 33 years that the two teams play a five-match series, and India will aim for their third consecutive series win in Australia.
Sharing his views on India’s chances of winning another series in Australia, Jaffer said that Rohit Sharma’s team has a great opportunity, with much depending on the fast bowling trio of Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Shami, and Mohammed Siraj. He also suggested Arshdeep Singh as a possible left-arm option and called young fast bowler Mayank Yadav a dark horse.
“If Bumrah, Shami, and Siraj stay fit and can play most of the series, India have a great opportunity for a hat-trick down under. Arshdeep could bring the left-arm option. And Mayank Yadav dark horse provided he’s fit and available. #AUSvIND,” wrote Jaffer on his X account.
Mayank gained attention during the 2024 IPL with his blistering pace that troubled batters. The 22-year-old took 3/27 on his debut against PBKS, helping LSG defend a total of 199, which earned him the Player of the Match award. He followed this up with another impressive performance, taking 3/14 against RCB, and won his second consecutive Player of the Match award.