Mayank Yadav has been an absolute sensation for the Lucknow Super Giants, showcasing his talent with two Player of the Match awards in standout performances against the Punjab Kings and the Royal Challengers Bangalore. His exceptional pace and precise lines have been the talk of the town. From the moment he burst onto the scene, Yadav has captivated fans and pundits alike with his fiery deliveries consistently clocking over 145 kph effortlessly.
In his debut match of the season, Yadav unleashed the fastest delivery of IPL 2024, clocking an impressive 155.8 kph against the Punjab Kings at the Ekana International Cricket Stadium in Lucknow. Astonishingly, he outdid himself, recording an even swifter delivery at a blistering 156.7 kph against the Royal Challengers Bangalore at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru.
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With the experienced Australian, Justin Langer, known for his successful coaching stint in T20 cricket, taking over as the head coach of LSG in the seventeenth edition of the IPL, replacing Zimbabwean Andy Flower, Yadav’s rise as India’s new pace sensation was met with acclaim.
What a delivery, JL 👀😂 pic.twitter.com/iloQH2iZl0
— Lucknow Super Giants (@LucknowIPL) April 3, 2024
In light of Yadav’s rapid rise, Langer had a light-hearted message for the legendary Pakistani fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar, fondly known as the Rawalpindi Express during his playing days. Akhtar holds the record for bowling the fastest delivery in the history of international cricket, a staggering 161.3 kph to English batsman Nick Knight.
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In a video shared by the official LSG handle, Langer was seen alongside viral content creator Shubham Gaur, known for his spot-on mimicry of Akhtar’s commentary. Gaur, sporting the LSG jersey, introduced Langer, teasing that he had a message for his “good friend” Akhtar. With a touch of humour, Langer quipped, “Mayank ne phenta maar diya,” indicating Yadav’s bowling had left the opposition in awe.
Prompted by Gaur, Langer compared Yadav’s pace with Akhtar’s, humorously suggesting Yadav might have a slight edge over the 48-year-old Pakistani legend. The exchange left Gaur in fits of laughter, showcasing the camaraderie and light-hearted banter between the cricketing world’s past and present speedsters.
