In an electrifying display at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium on April 2nd, Mayank Yadav, the dynamic fast bowler for the Lucknow Super Giants, shattered the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 records by clocking the fastest delivery at a breathtaking speed of 156.7 kmph against Royal Challengers Bengaluru. This remarkable feat not only underscored Yadav's burgeoning reputation as a speedster but also marked him as the first player in IPL history to secure Player of the Match honors in his debut and subsequent game.
Yadav's journey to this point has been filled with anticipation and hard work. Initially drafted by the Lucknow Super Giants in the 2022 IPL auction, the Delhi-born Yadav experienced a mix of emotions as he awaited his selection. In a revealing conversation with Vikram Chandra of Editorji, he shared, "I was very happy after being picked but equally nervous before that. I had no experience of playing T20 cricket and had only played a couple of one-day (domestic) games. My first thought was how I could prepare myself for this format. In my first year, I got to learn many new things about my bowling from the coaching staff and senior players and it is helping me even now."
Despite his undeniable talent, Yadav's path to IPL glory was not without its hurdles. After joining the LSG squad in 2022, he spent his initial season on the sidelines, learning and absorbing invaluable insights from the team's coaching staff and seasoned players. His eagerness to adapt and improve his game was evident, even as he faced the disappointment of missing the entire 2023 season due to injury.
Now, making his debut in 2024, the 21-year-old has quickly made up for lost time, demonstrating not only his exceptional pace but also his ability to handle the pressures and expectations of playing in one of cricket's most prestigious leagues.
Yadav's early successes in IPL 2024 have not only catapulted him into the limelight but also highlighted his potential to become one of the leading fast bowlers in the international cricket arena. With a promising career ahead, Mayank Yadav's story is a testament to resilience, talent, and the relentless pursuit of excellence in the face of challenges.
Watch the full Mayank Yadav interview with Editorji's Vikram Chandra