LSG’s new pace marvel Mayank Yadav eyes national call-up

By: Aditya Ahuja

Following two back-to-back match-winning performances for his Lucknow franchise, the burgeoning talent, Mayank Yadav, is making a strong case for himself to book a spot on the plane to the United States and West Indies for the upcoming T20 World Cup. The 21-year-old, who made his debut against Punjab Kings, proved that he is not a flash in the pan and bagged the ‘Player of the Match’ award on consecutive occasions.

In only his second game of the IPL against the Royal Challengers Bengaluru, the new fast bowling sensation from Delhi ran through the seasoned middle-order of the Faf du Plessis-led side.

Mayank’s scalps included the prized wickets of Glenn Maxwell (0), Cameron Green (9), and Rajat Patidar (29), thwarting Bengaluru’s pursuit of 182 runs. His lightning-quick deliveries left Maxwell clueless, inducing a second-ball duck, while his precision dismissed Green with a stunning delivery that kissed the top of the off-stump.

After patiently waiting for two years for an opportunity to come his way, Mayank Yadav’s stellar performances have now placed him on the radar for national selection. He clocked 156.7 kmph during the game on Tuesday, surpassing his own record of setting new pace standards in the 17th edition of the IPL in just two days.

“I feel very good, winning two POTM awards, but I am happier that we won both matches. My aim is to play for India as much as possible. So I feel this is just the start, and my main goal is what I am focused on,” Mayank said in the post-match presentation.

While revealing the factors contributing to his ability to bowl quickly, Mayank picked Green’s wicket as his favourite out of the three.

“I enjoyed Cameron Green’s wicket the most. There are a lot of factors to bowl quick – diet, sleep, training. I am focusing a lot on my diet and recovery ice bath,” Mayank concluded.

The Delhi pace marvel became just the sixth bowler in the IPL to take three-wicket hauls in two consecutive matches.

Turning to the match, the Lucknow Super Giants were put to bat and managed to post a handsome score of 181/5 following Quinton de Kock’s rollicking 81 off 56 deliveries.

In reply, RCB struggled to put up good partnerships, which led to their downfall and helped LSG seal a comfortable 28-run win.