The cricket fraternity watched in awe as Mayank Yadav unleashed lightning bolts after lightning bolts on Saturday evening in Lucknow as home team Lucknow Super Giants beat Punjab Kings to claim their maiden victory in the IPL 2024. Yadav picked three wickets during his stellar middle over to help LSG bounce back, but it was his top speed of 155.8 kmph that caught the attention of world cricket.
South African legend Dale Steyn, who previously worked with fellow Indian speedster Umran Malik in Sunrisers Hyderabad, was stunned as Yadav recorded this figure in only its second year in its initial loading career, leaving veteran BKS opener Shikhar Dhawan in disarray. It was the fastest delivery so far in IPL 2024 and the sixth fastest overall in the league’s history.
Steyn then took to social media, writing: “155.8 km/h! Mayank Yadav, where are you hiding! »
It turns out that Yadav himself is a big fan of the South African legend.
Speaking to the media after his victory at the Ekana Stadium, Mayank, paying priceless tribute to Steyn, said: “I only look up to one fast bowler, Dale Steyn, he is my idol.”
Although the conversation around Yadav is about his ability to reach over 150 km/h at will, the 21-year-old admitted that his focus remains on being as economical as possible and helping LSG in more winning causes .
“My goal is to be consistent for the team and give as few points as possible so that it is useful. The rhythm is a plus for me; I try to use it diligently,” he said.
Yadav also spoke about his battle with multiple injury problems throughout his career, including defeat in the last IPL season and the recently concluded Ranji Trophy tournament.
“I had secondary tension; it was a rib fracture after the Vijay Hazare Trophy. Injuries are a part of a fast bowler’s life and they are your friends. I’ve had 2-3 serious injuries in the last year and a half, and it’s been a disaster for me. Last season, I missed the IPL due to injuries. The main focus is on recovery and training,” Yadav said.