Mayank Markande

Burst onto the scene as a young sensation from Patiala, Mayank Markande is a classic right-arm leg-break bowler who can deceive the batters with his flighted deliveries and stunning googlies. He played for Punjab in the 2017-18 edition of the Syed-Mushtaq Ali Trophy.

Out of nowhere, Mayank was picked up by the Mumbai franchise for INR 20 lakhs in the 2018 Indian Premier League auction. His impressive performance in the pre-auction trials and net sessions convinced the star-studded Mumbai coaching staff and the skipper. Straightaway, Markande was sent to make his debut in the first game of the season against Chennai. His inclusion in playing XI surprised many at the beginning but Markande proved his worth in the first match itself when he picked up a 3-wicket haul which included his life's most memorable wicket - MS Dhoni, who he dismissed with his ravishing googly. He followed it up by picking up a 4-fer against Hyderabad which also allowed him to wear the purple cap for a certain period.

After an amazing display of spin bowling in the Indian Premier League, Markande's name spread like a wildfire and he was included in the India A team for the quadrangular ODI series. Markande proved to be a big asset for Punjab as he became the leading wicket-taker for them, picking up 29 wickets for his side in his maiden Ranji season. His fifer against the England Lions at the start of 2019 further proved his credentials. Markande was traded twice in the IPL, from Mumbai to Delhi, and before he could play for Delhi, he was traded to Rajasthan in a move to swap him with Ajinkya Rahane.

Mayank received a call out of the blue, this time it was to represent his national side. Mayank got his T20I cap and made his debut against Australia. However, with heavy competition in the spin department, he could not really cement his place in the side. In 2022, he was bought back by Mumbai in the IPL. The following year, he moved to Hyderabad, where he showed signs of returning to his best, largely due to increased opportunities compared to the previous seasons.

The leggie could not quite replicate his success in the 2024 IPL, which led to his release, with KKR picking him up. However, he spent the entire season on the bench before returning to Mumbai ahead of the next edition.