Indian National Cricket Team skipper Virat Kohli asserted promising young spinner Mayank Markande has earned his maiden chance to make it to the national fold in an impending India vs Australia 2019 limited-over series. The national selection committee presided by MSK Prasad on February 15 has named Markande in the 15-man squad for the two-match Twenty20 International series against Australia.
The home series will commence from February 24 (Sunday) with the first T20I in Visakhapatnam.
Recently, the leg-spinner from Punjab impressed the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) with his spectacular performance against England Lions for India A.
Plans won’t jeopardise:
While backing the youngster, Kohli maintained the Punjab cricketer had done exceedingly well. In the domestic leg, Markande delivers goods to get a chance in the top-flight cricket.
However, Kohli is adamant in approach. He remarked that he is not taking a chance that could hamper their plans for the upcoming 2019 World. The quadrennial event will commence from May 30 in the United Kingdom (UK).
The question was raised what if the inclusion of a slow-bowler hamper on succeeding the plans for the ODI showpiece event.
“Look, he’s been given an opportunity because he’s done well. How it changes things during the World Cup. I’m not looking at this particular selection or change as something that will really disrupt our plans for the World Cup,” Kohli told Cricbuzz.
Coming to Markande, one of his performances saw him bagging a five-for to help India A to clinch the game convincingly by an innings and 68 runs.
In the Indian Premier League (IPL), Markande had impressed many with his bowling.
Also, he represents the IPL franchise Mumbai Indians (MI) led by Rohit Sharma.
Markande bowled well in the T20 fold:
Kohli recently revealed that India has somewhat sorted their options owing to the 2019 World Cup preparations. He stated that Markande had earned his spot for being consistent in his previous couple of seasons in the shortest version of the game.
The 30-year-old batting star Kohli cleared that he will not weigh down regarding the plans for the coveted event.
“It’s purely giving a youngster a chance. He has done well over the last couple of seasons and bowled well in the IPL and T20 cricket. That’s purely from that point of view. And definitely will not hamper any of our plans going into the World Cup,” Kohli remarked.
Also, Kohli has voiced his opinion that players are responsible for being sincere in their approach. Moreover, Kohli added the team had gelled well ahead of the 2019 World Cup.
Besides, the 21-year-old Bathinda-born Markande has played 18 T20s since making his debut against Jammu and Kashmir on January 14, 2018.
Furthermore, he has bagged 20 scalps at the bowling average of 24.35