In the heart of Delhi’s domestic cricket circuit resides a 21-year-old dynamo, Mayank Yadav. His thunderous speed has left batsmen reeling in its wake. Despite his youth, the pacer has already made a name for himself, catching the eye of scouts and enthusiasts alike. Recently, Lucknow Super Giants secured his services for a mere Rs 20 lakh, a testament to his potential.
The stage was set on a Saturday evening during the 11th match of IPL 2024. Lucknow Super Giants faced off against Punjab Kings. LSG posted a formidable 199-run total, setting the stage for an enthralling chase. However, Punjab Kings seemed well on course, cruising at 88 runs without loss after nine overs. Enter Mayank Yadav, making his IPL debut with a bang.
In a display of raw talent and sheer speed, Mayank unleashed a barrage of deliveries that left spectators gasping. His first ball clocked in at a blistering 147.1kph, with the third soaring past the 150kph mark. While wickets eluded him initially, his ferocious pace demanded attention. It signalled the arrival of a new force in the cricketing arena.
The real spectacle unfolded in the 12th over. Mayank rattled even seasoned batsmen like Shikhar Dhawan with his sheer pace. A thunderbolt at 155.8kph claimed the title of the fastest delivery of IPL 2024. It left a lasting impression on the cricketing fraternity. Mayank consistently breached the 150kph barrier throughout the over, showcasing his immense talent.
By the end of his spell, Mayank Yadav had snatched three crucial wickets. He conceded just 27 runs in his quota of four overs. His performance proved pivotal as Lucknow Super Giants secured a 21-run victory over Punjab Kings. Recognising his stellar debut, Mayank was rightfully crowned the Player of the Match. Great players like Jonny Bairstow, Prabhsimran, and Jitesh Sharma fell victim to his blistering pace.
Mayank Yadav’s journey to prominence began in the bylanes of Delhi’s cricketing landscape. With 46 wickets across 10 T20 and 17 List A matches, his trajectory has been nothing short of meteoric. Signed by Lucknow Super Giants in the IPL 2022 auction, fate dealt him a cruel blow with an injury sidelining him in IPL 2023. However, his triumphant return in IPL 2024 muted all doubts, reaffirming his status as a genuine pace sensation
