Image Source: AP
[Saba Sports News] Genuine pace always stirs excitement in cricket, and Mayank Yadav’s IPL debut was no exception, catching the world’s attention. Introduced into the attack when Punjab Kings were cruising at 88/0, Yadav showcased his raw speed, consistently clocking over 145kph. Despite conceding ten runs in his first over, his pace troubled batsmen, leading to key wickets including Jonny Bairstow’s. Yadav’s calm demeanor on debut reflected his mental preparation, as he had visualized this moment for a long time.
Yadav’s debut marked him as Lucknow Super Giants’ bowling asset for the season. His explosive pace made a significant impact in a high-scoring game, highlighting the importance of his contributions. Yadav credited his coaches for keeping his approach simple, focusing on pace and accuracy.
“For the last year and a half, I had been visualising my debut,” said Mayank at the post-match press conference. “How my first ball would be and how I’d manage myself with the ball in front of such huge crowds. Everyone told me that there would be pressure and nervousness, but I honestly didn’t feel that. When my captain gave me the ball, I felt from inside that I belonged straightaway and there was a lot of confidence.”
“JL (Justin Langer) and Morne (Morkel) never told me to work with anything. They know that my pace with hard lengths are good. They just told me to keep plans simple, bowl quick on hard lengths and attack the stumps as much as possible.”
His journey to the IPL has been marked by injuries, but Yadav remains committed to managing his fitness and delivering consistent performances. His debut drew praise from both teammates and opponents, with Sanjay Bangar acknowledging Yadav’s disruptive bowling.
In a league where death bowling is crucial, Punjab Kings have faced challenges, with their designated death bowler, Harshal Patel, struggling to contain runs. However, Bangar remains confident in Patel’s abilities, emphasizing the tough role he plays in the team’s bowling lineup.