Mayank Yadav bowled the fastest delivery of the IPL, clocked at 156.7 kmph.© BCCI
Punjab Kings (PBKS) pacer Kagiso Rabada reserved big praise for young Indian tearaway quick Mayank Yadav, following an impressive start to his Indian Premier League (IPL) career. Mayank bowled the fastest delivery of the IPL, clocked at 155.8 kmph, on his debut for the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) agaisnt Rabada’s PBKS. A couple of nights later, he bettered that mark with a searing 156.7 kmph delivery against the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB).
Rabada praised Mayank for his raw talent and said that “pace cannot be bought from the market”.
“It’s just raw pace, man. He is really sharp, that’s obvious. It’s a massive weapon. He will always rush the batsman. And he’s showing some good control too. He was born with the pace. Pace is not bought in the market. That’s his genuine weapon,” Rabada told Hindustan Times in an interaction.
Rabada feels the teams will have to plan well against Mayank, who is making most of the two-bouncer rule in an over.
“The two bouncers are helping. He’s banging it in on a back of a length. And batters are trying to take him on but ending up hitting it up. It also messes up their footwork. They’re not quite getting forward. Unless they come forward, they’ll find it hard to get on top of him. Raw pace goes a long way. Teams will have to plan carefully against him,” he added.
With back-to-back player of the match performances in his debut season, the 21-year-old has emerged as the find of season. However, IPL is only a means to an end for Mayank.
“Feel really good, two Player of the Match awards in two matches. I am happier that we won both the matches. My goal is to play for the country. I feel this is just the start. I enjoyed Cameron Green’s wicket the most,” said Mayank after LSG’s win over RCB.
Mayank had missed the last season due to injury and he fully knows the importance to fitness.
“There are a lot of factors to bowl quick – diet, sleep, training. I am focusing a lot on my diet and recovery – ice bath,” he said.
(With PTI Inputs)
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