Mayank Yadav shines on IPL debut with scorching pace

Mayank Yadav, who has left everyone surprised with his pace on his Indian Premier League debut recently, has had his share of struggles while transforming from a frail 15-year-old to a frighteningly quick fast bowler.

Life has changed overnight for the Yadav family from West Delhi’s Punjabi Bagh with the 24 deliveries that their 21-year-old son bowled for Lucknow Super Giants in the IPL game against Punjab Kings on the evening of March 30.

Mayank became the toast of the nation in 15 minutes flat.

“If Tarak Sinha and Devender Sharma had not been around, my son wouldn’t have come this far. I wanted him to play cricket but they prepared him for all the big tests,” said Mayank’s father Prabhu Yadav of the coaching duo of Sonnet Club for their contribution in his son’s development.

The 6-feet-1-inch tall Delhi boy, who faced problems with multiple injuries in his short career, turned heads on March 30 with a 155.8 kmph delivery, the fastest in this edition of IPL.

He surpassed that on April 2 against Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) by delivering at 156.7 kmph.

“People watch IPL and they only saw Mayank now but those who keep track knew that in last year’s Deodhar Trophy, he had bowled a delivery at 155 kmph. It was unfortunate that he suffered from hamstring injury and had to miss the entire Ranji season. I have been saying for past four years that this boy is special,” said an elated Devender, the man who also shaped Rishabh Pant.

“Last year, twice he called me before IPL games to say that ‘sir, I would make my debut today’, and it didn’t happen. Today I am very happy. He has made a start but has a long way to go.”

The national selection committee led by Ajit Agarkar was keen on having a look at him during this year’s Ranji Trophy which he was forced to sit out.

Devender recalled the time when Mayank’s father brought his son to the famous Sonnet Club when he was around 14.

“He looked very frail and didn’t even have bowling spikes, but in Sonnet, if we find any boy to be special in terms of talent, kit and equipment is never a problem.

“At 15, with that weak physique of his, he could generate above average pace for his age-group. He has had his share of struggles but he always worked hard. He might look lean but he is very strong now with proper nutrition and regimented fitness. He is a pure vegetarian and an ardent devotee of Krishna,” Devender said.

Pant wanted to rope in Mayank for Delhi Capitals but Lucknow Super Giants didn’t agree to a transfer.

His father had his share of problems during Covid. He was earlier dealing in electronics equipment but is now in the business of selling sirens used in police jeeps and ambulances.

“I told my son, ‘Son, your job is to play cricket and your father’s job is to face the challenges of life’,” Prabhu said.

“Obviously, my dream is to see him wear the India shirt and represent the country for 15 years,” the proud father said.

Former England fast bowler Stuart Broad praised Mayank.

“He’s got a very calm run-up that gathers pace throughout. He’s balanced at the crease. I think when you bowl that sort of pace at 156, if you give width, you disappear,” said Broad on Star Sports.

“But he was at the batters, he was over the stumps, cramping them. As IPL debuts go, it was spectacular, really,” Broad said.