Stuart Broad, the eminent English fast bowler with a legacy of 604 Test wickets, believes that Mayank Yadav, the rising Indian pace sensation, can skip the traditional route of domestic cricket and be fast-tracked into international cricket. According to Broad, this could potentially toughen up Yadav's body, preparing him for the inevitable injury breakdowns that come with the intensity of top-level cricket.
Speaking exclusively to PTI at the Star Sports Incredible Star Cast studio, Broad expressed his confidence in Yadav's abilities, noting his smooth run-up, well-executed brace front-leg delivery, impeccable line and length, and genuine pace. Broad emphasized that learning at the highest level, as he himself did, is invaluable for young bowlers like Yadav. He highlighted Yadav's stint in the IPL as an ideal learning ground, facing off against the best in the business.
Broad suggested integrating the 21-year-old into the Indian setup to glean insights from seasoned players, underscoring India's possession of a special talent in Yadav. However, he cautioned Yadav to brace himself for challenges and injuries, typical for fast bowlers of his caliber, despite his impressive start in the IPL.
While acknowledging Yadav's potential across all formats, Broad stressed the importance of managing expectations around him. He also offered advice to his former teammate, Jos Buttler, advising him to focus on spending time at the crease and not succumb to pressure amidst a batting slump in the IPL.
On the topic of struggling teams, Broad weighed in on Mumbai Indians' current predicament, stating that winning matches is the only remedy to counter the negativity surrounding skipper Hardik Pandya. He remained optimistic about Mumbai Indians' ability to bounce back, citing their winning mentality.
Conversely, Broad expressed skepticism about Royal Challengers Bangalore's chances, citing a lack of squad balance and effective auction strategies. While acknowledging the batting prowess of players like Virat Kohli and Glenn Maxwell, Broad questioned the team's overall composition and its ability to clinch the trophy this season.
