Every year the Indian Premier League (IPL) known as the cricket tournament globally showcases promising talents.On two occasions there has been buzz surrounding a young Indian fast bowler due to their extraordinary pace.Three years ago Umran Malik from Indian administered Kashmir caused a stir. In IPL 2024 it’s Mayank Yadav who is catching everyones attention with his bowling.
The slender 21 year old bowler from Delhi made his IPL debut for Lucknow Super Giants against Kings in March and impressed with a fantastic display of pace bowling. He delivered a ball at 155.8 km/h (96 mph). Was awarded the man of the match title on debut.
In the match Yadav exceeded expectations with a blazing delivery at 156.7 km/h (96 mph). The fastest of the season so far. And secured his second consecutive man of the match accolade against Royal Challengers Bangalore, an unprecedented feat for an IPL debutant. He claimed six wickets for 41 runs, across both matches.
Yadavs exceptional performance led Ian Bishop, West Indies bowler turned commentator to affectionately label him as a “child of the wind.”
Dale Steyn, considered one of the all time fast bowlers and someone who Mayank Yadav looks up to as his idol expressed his surprise on Twitter by asking, “Mayank Yadav where have you been hiding!” In a tweet following his match Steyn simply exclaimed; “That’s a serious ball! #PACE”.
Former Australian cricketer Tom Moody believed that Yadav was ” in contention” for a spot in Indias squad for the upcoming T20 World Cup post the IPL.
What led these usually composed and experienced experts to praise Yadav highly after just two appearances?
One standout factor was his pace. While other bowlers in this IPL have also clocked speeds exceeding 150 km/h none have done as consistently as Yadav or with such a dominating impact.
However speed alone is rarely sufficient at the level. What truly set Yadav apart was his precision. Remarkably he has not conceded an extra in the IPL thus far. He has been able to vary his lengths while maintaining his pace. Additionally the quality of batsmen he has dismissed and how he got them out also caught attention.
In the match, against Punjab he dismissed Jonny Bairstow – known for handling bowling well – by rushing him into playing a pull shot swiftly; showcasing just how quick he really is. He performed well against Bangalore also managing to dismiss Glenn Maxwell, a top T20 batsman worldwide.
In another feat he outpaced Australian player Cameron Green knocking off his off stump with sheer speed. Green, accustomed to facing bowlers found himself frozen at the crease with a loosely held bat – a clear sign of expecting a short delivery but reacting late to a different one.
“Yadav possesses a pace rarely seen in todays global cricket arena ” remarked Maxwell in comparison to former Australian bowler Shaun Tait during his prime.
Its widely acknowledged by bowlers that maintaining control becomes challenging as they increase their speed. Tait and Malik have both experienced this struggle. However Yadav has far defied this norm.
Despite his start potential challenges lie ahead.
Many Indian pacers initially burst onto the scene as bowlers only to transition into the “medium fast” category over time.
Moreover there is always the looming specter of injury associated with the demanding nature of fast bowling over prolonged periods. In Yadavs match, against Gujarat Titans following two successful games he faced this ever present risk of injury.
He only bowled for an over clocking in at approximately 140 km/h a speed considered fast by most standards but slightly below Yadavs usual performance level. After he exited the field with a side strain.
Teammates reassured that Yadav appeared to be in spirits and there was little cause for concern. Even though his recovery is anticipated to be swift this incident sheds light on the demands of bowling and its impact on velocity. Yadav has previously faced this challenge. He sat out the IPL season due to injury.
Yadavs cricketing journey kicked off when his father, who sold police vehicle sirens enrolled him at Delhis Sonnet Cricket Club. His pace drew the attention of former Indian cricketer Vijay Dahiya during a practice session at a tournament where Dahiya was coaching Uttar Pradesh.
Impressed by Yadavs talent Dahiya, who also served as a coach with LSG contacted Gautam Gambhir. Then mentor of the LSG team. Insisting that they sign Yadav. LSG acquired Yadav for his base price of two million rupees in the IPL 2022 auction; however they opted not to field him in the season citing insufficient “bowling miles” under his belt. Nevertheless they always believed in his potential.
Yadavs career is still in its stages, with numerous obstacles yet to be overcome. Maliks situation serves as a reminder of the challenges along the way. Despite having participated in 10 ODIs and 8 T20Is for India between 2022 and 2023 he currently struggles to secure a spot, in Sunrisers Hyderabads starting lineup.
However should Yadav manage to maintain his fitness and further develop his bowling skills success could well come knocking at his door at a pace of 150km/h.
