Fast bowler Mayank Yadav, who made a memorable debut in the opening T20 International of the three-match series against Bangladesh, said that pace has always impressed him but he knows that only consistency can take his career forward amid fitness fluctuations in international cricket. The 22-year-old bowler, who bowled the ten fastest balls (all over 150 kmph) in IPL this year, also troubled Bangladesh batsmen with his speed.

His first over was maiden. He bowled 14 dot balls in his quota of four overs and took one wicket for 21 runs. After his debut, Mayank told the match broadcaster Geo Cinema, "I was excited but honestly I was a little nervous too because I was returning after about three months of recovering from injury. I did not get many opportunities to play competitive cricket and then suddenly I got a chance. "

He said, "I was a bit nervous as I was making my international debut." Mayank, who was named 'Man of the Match' in two consecutive matches while playing for Lucknow Supergiants in the IPL, had to spend a long time at the National Cricket Academy (NCA) for rehabilitation due to a strain in his abdominal muscle.

Mayank knows that he has got recognition for his fast bowling but consistency in line length is necessary to survive in international cricket. He said, "My speed is always on my mind, but during my IPL journey I have learned that consistency is important in this format and especially at the international level."

The Delhi bowler said, "Line and length are important. Bowling the right line and length consistently really helps because batsmen start respecting you. I am focusing more on keeping my line and length accurate." Mayank said that the last four months were very challenging for him while recovering from the injury.

He said, "The time during my injury was really tough because I had to go through many phases, ups and downs in the last four months."

During the IPL, he focussed on length and extreme pace but against Bangladesh, the bowler also used the slower balls effectively.

He said, "I didn't use the slower balls much during the IPL because they weren't really needed. I used to talk to my captain (Lokesh Rahul), and he would tell me to focus on my 'stock' balls. I don't focus on variations much if the pitch helps."

Against Bangladesh, the wicket was slow and there was some bounce. So I realized that a change in pace could help.

Mayank said that before his debut, coach Gautam Gambhir had advised him to avoid trying too many things. He said, "His advice was to focus on my strengths and abilities and do what I do best."