“A touching moment for me” – Murali Kartik on handing Mayank Yadav his debut cap ahead of 1st IND vs BAN 2024 T20I

Former India cricketer Murali Kartik has expressed his gratitude to head coach Gautam Gambhir for the opportunity to give Mayank Yadav his debut cap. The incident took place ahead of the T20I opener against Bangladesh in Gwalior on Sunday, October 6.

The cricketer-turned-commentator reminisced about his own debut when he received his cap from legendary Sachin Tendulkar and World Cup-winning captain Kapil Dev.

Murali Kartik wrote on X:

“What a memorable day for this Speed Merchant #MayankYadav ..it took me back 25 yrs when I received my cap from Sachin& Kapil paaji... A touching moment for me personally to be asked to present the cap by @GautamGambhir ...a wonderful gesture.”

Take a look:

Murali Kartik made his India Test debut against South Africa at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai in February 2000. The left-arm spinner represented the Men in Blue in eight Tests, 37 ODIs, and a solitary T20I. The Chennai-born player has also played 56 matches in the Indian Premier League, picking up 31 wickets.

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“Dream come true” – Mayank Yadav reacts to his India debut

Mayank Yadav called it a dream come true moment after making his T20I debut against Bangladesh. The 22-year-old wrote on Instagram:

“The best feeling for a cricketer is to play for his country and wearing the blue jersey for me it’s like a dream come true …… this will remain the best moment of my life.”

“I’m very grateful for god that he gave me strength and to all the people who helped me in my hard time and supported throughout,” he added.

Mayank dismissed Mahmudullah to bag his first wicket in international cricket. The Lucknow Super Giants pacer made it to the national side following his heroics in the Indian Premier League. The speedster bowled the fastest delivery of IPL 2024 by bowling at 156.7 kmph against the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB). The Delhi-born pacer bagged seven wickets in four games, including three wickets apiece against RCB and Punjab Kings (PBKS).

Mayank Yadav will next be seen in action in the second T20I against Bangladesh, which will be played at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi on Wednesday, October 9. The Suryakumar Yadav-led side are already 1-0 up in the three-match series, having won the opening game by seven wickets.