Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) finally unleashed their young pacer, Mayank Yadav, on the cricketing world after two injury-plagued seasons. The 21-year-old right-arm fast bowler wasted no time making his mark, setting the stage alight with a searing 147kmph delivery in his very first IPL match against the Punjab Kings on Saturday (March 30th).
Mayank Yadav’s debut was a culmination of years of visualization and overcoming frustrating injuries. “For the past one or two years, I’ve been picturing my debut, imagining how my first delivery would feel,” he revealed to reporters after the match. “Everyone warned me about potential debut jitters, but those vanished after the first ball. My coaches advised me to keep it simple, bowl close to the stumps, and utilize my pace.”
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Speed has always been Mayank Yadav’s passion, a fascination that extends beyond the cricket pitch. “Speed is pure excitement,” he declared. “I’ve always been drawn to it since childhood. Rockets, planes, superbikes – anything fast has captivated me. As a kid, I dreamed of a life surrounded by speed, and thankfully, it manifested as fast bowling.”
His cricketing idol is none other than the legendary South African fast bowler, Dale Steyn. “There’s only one bowler I truly look up to – Dale Steyn. He’s my idol,” Mayank stated with reverence.
Injuries, however, are an unfortunate reality for fast bowlers, and Mayank Yadav has had his share of setbacks. He’s learned to accept them as part of the journey.
“Physios constantly remind me that injuries are a fast bowler’s companions,” he shared. “In the past year and a half, I’ve missed a lot of cricket due to injuries, including the last IPL season. So, my focus has been on training, recovery, and building physical strength.”
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Mayank revealed that former Indian wicketkeeper Vijay Dahiya played a pivotal role in his journey. “A few years before the IPL auctions, I was playing for Delhi against Uttar Pradesh in the Vijay Hazare Trophy,” he recalled. “Vijay Dahiya sir saw me bowl and requested some videos. He then connected with Gautam Gambhir, and that’s how LSG picked me.”
With his raw pace and unwavering dedication, Mayank Yadav has announced his arrival on the IPL stage. His journey from childhood fascination with speed to becoming a force to be reckoned with promises an exciting future for the young fast bowler.
