Surprise gift for Markande

“Hard work always pays,” he said after the India A beat England Lions and it paid big time for the Punjab youngster in the form of a maiden call up to the Indian T20 squad.

"It gives me a lot of satisfaction especially after this five-wicket haul. If given the chance to perform, i would give my best further," said Mayank Markande on his call up.

Everything seems to be happening for the good for Mayank Markande. The 21-year-old came up with a five-for against England Lions and that probably set the ball rolling in his favour.

“Hard work always pays,” he said after the match. But it paid big time for the Punjab youngster in the form of a maiden call up to the Indian T20 squad. It certainly must have come as a huge surprise for Markande, who made his first class debut this season.

“It has been a great journey for me."

Read: Rahul recalled, Karthik dropped; Markande gets nod

“I never really thought the past year would turn things around for me. I learnt something from Shabhaz (Nadeem) and Jalaj (Saxena) bhai in this match,” he said.

“Rahul Dravid sir has also played a big role. He is a legend and a huge motivator in my stint with the emerging team. He does not allow anybody to think negative and it has helped me a great deal,’ he added.

He also recalled his experience with former India leg-spinner Narendra Hirwani. “It was a great experience to be coached by Hirwani and W.V. Raman. Hirwani sir shared his experience in length and also exchanged a few ideas on how to bowl on unresponsive pitches.”

"It gives me a lot of satisfaction especially after this five-wicket haul. If given the chance to perform, i would give my best further," said Markande on his call up.