Was hit by a metal object: Mankad reveals reason behind stoppage of play

After making his debut on April 22, Prerak Mankad finally got a chance to showcase his skills in the Indian Premier League (IPL) in his second clash, against Sunrisers Hyderabad. Having been promoted to No.3, the right-hander showed great composure to build an innings and stitched together an able partnership with Marcus Stoinis in the middle. 

Mankad ended the innings with a 45-ball 64, a knock that consisted of seven fours and two sixes and was arguably the difference between the two sides on the night. However, during the first innings of the clash, there was a stoppage of play, involving the all-rounder, which led to plenty of confusion from the fans. 

Mankad in the post-match press conference, revealed the reason, claiming that the ‘hooligan’ crowd in Hyderabad threw a metal object at him for the third time, after missing their aim twice. 

"I just informed the team about it," Mankad said in the post-match press conference. 

On his own performance, Mankad put it down to the hard work and toil of domestic cricket. It was a surprise when Mankad was promoted to No.3 but the all-rounder thanked the team for giving him that opportunity and insisted that the position allowed him to take some time in the middle. 

Prior to the innings against Sunrisers, the No.3 position was an unknown for Mankad, who was primarily batting at No.4 and 5 for his domestic side, Saurashtra. 

“I have been playing domestic cricket for the last five to six years in all formats. It helped me a lot. And performances there do help any player. I am glad that the team won the game today,” Mankad stated. 

“It feels amazing to play a big role in the team winning. I am very grateful to the team management and everyone for giving me this huge platform and giving me the opportunity to bat at this number in the order,” he said.

At one point, it felt like Mankad was looking for a big hit in desperation, and the all-rounder revealed the conversation he had with Australian all-rounder Stoinis. 

“Well, both Marcus Stoinis and Nicholas Pooran told me to back my strength, some basic things and that helped me execute the strokes.”

On the surface that was in play here in Hyderabad, Mankad revealed that the ball was 'sticking a bit' primarily when the pacers were bowling cross-seamed deliveries. 

“It was a decent wicket and the ball was sticking a bit, especially when the bowlers were preferring cross-seam,” Mankad said.