India vs Australia 2019: Mayank Markande Expresses Delight to Play Under Virat Kohli

Feb 18, 2019 at 7:45 PM

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India vs Australia 2019: Mayank Markande Expresses Delight to Play Under Virat Kohli

The Punjab star Mayank Markande has expressed a delight to play under the dynamic leadership of Virat Kohli. On Friday (February 15), the fast bowler-turner-spinner Markande earned his maiden call-up in the national team for the impending two-match India vs Australia 2019 Twenty20 International series, starting February 24 in Visakhapatnam.

The potential youngster had risen among the ranks to impress the Board of Control for Cricket in India’s (BCCI) national selectors.

‘Shocked’ on maiden call-up:

Mayank Markande, Virat Kohli, India vs Australia 2019
Mayank Markande left an impact in the domestic fold. Photo Credit: Getty Images.

Selectors have shown enough faith in Markande who that time around was representing India A against England Lions. So much so, he couldn’t believe what he has heard, but to clarify the news, Markande checked BCCI’s website to express his happiness. He admitted that he was ‘shocked’ before informing his parents.

“I was in Mysore and was playing against England Lions. When I came back to the dressing room, I saw that my phone was blinking. I was surprised to see so many messages and calls. Honestly, I was shocked. I immediately checked the BCCI’s website and only then believed the news to be true,” Markande told ToI.

Markande hails seniors, cherishes opportunity:

Mayank Markande, Virat Kohli, India vs Australia 2019
Mayank is excited to share the dressing room with senior campaigners. Photo Credit: BCCI/IPL.

The 21-year-old Markande reveals he is eagerly waiting to share the backroom with the likes of Mahendra Singh Dhoni. Moreover, the seniors include opening pair in Shikhar Dhawan and Rohit Sharma. He added he is looking forward to learning from his seniors while terming the seniors as ‘legends’ of the game.

“I am really excited to play under Virat Kohli’s captaincy and also with MS Dhoni. Getting into the Indian team is a very big thing for me. I am going to learn a lot from my seniors. I am looking forward to sharing the dressing room with these legends,” Markande added.

Interestingly, Markande made his Indian Premier League for Mumbai Indians (MI) led by Rohit. He made his entry in the eleventh edition of the domestic professional league in 2018.

In addition, the promising youngster fetched INR 20 lakh to represent the Mumbai-based three-time IPL champions Indians.

“It was an honour to play under a legendary player like Rohit Sharma. [Rohit] keeps the atmosphere very light. He doesn’t let youngsters feel like junior players. He was always there to guide me, whenever I needed his help. I was so nervous but he (Rohit) took the nervousness away,” Mayank stated.

Coach changed his life:

Mayank Markande, Virat Kohli, India vs Australia 2019
Markande returns stronger with a change. Photo Credit: BCCI/IPL.

Interestingly, the leg-spinner Markande bagged the prized scalp of Chennai Super Kings’ MS Dhoni as his figures read three for 23 including Ambati Rayudu and Deepak Chahar.

“It was a big moment for me. I never thought I will get his (Dhoni’s) wicket. It will always remain a dream wicket for me,” Mayank remarked.

At the age of 13, Markande met his coach Munish Bali to receive the inputs from his coach. Also, Markande added his coach’s recommendation had changed his life.

“Bali sir asked me start bowling spin, as I didn’t have much power in my arms. I wanted to become a fast bowler but Bali sir’s changed my life,” Mayank maintained.

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