Mayank Yadav, a pacer for the Lucknow Super Giants, exceeded his own bowling speed during Tuesday’s IPL 2024 match against the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB). After recording 155.8 km/hr against the Punjab Kings a few days ago to set the record for the quickest delivery in the 2024 edition, the rookie tearaway speedster smashed 156.7 in the tournament’s 15th encounter.
In the process, the 21-year-old became only the second Indian, after Umran Malik, and the fifth overall to reach 156 clicks in the tournament’s history. The Delhi-born cricketer has continued to grow since his debut against the Punjab Kings on March 30, when he turned the game around for LSG and helped them win.
On Tuesday, he started his account by taking Glenn Maxwell’s wicket before dismissing Cameron Green and Rajat Patidar. With the Super Giants scoring a poor total (181) given the location, Yadav’s statistics of 4-0-14-3 were the game changer.
Earlier, Quinton de Kock (81) and Nicholas Pooran (40) batted brilliantly to lead their team to 181 in 20 overs. In response, RCB went all out for 153.
“He’s really professional in looking after his body” – KL Rahul on Mayank Yadav
KL Rahul, Super Giants’ captain, commended Mayank Yadav’s determination and diligence. At the post-match event, he acknowledged Mayank Yadav ability to maintain composure and hone his bowling skills. Rahul, born in Karnataka, confessed to feeling apprehensive when facing Mayank Yadav’s right-arm pace during net practice sessions.
“He’s quietly patiently waited for two seasons in the dug-out, missed out last year because of injury unfortunately. But he’s been in Bombay with the physios working really hard. He understands that bowling 155 is not easy and in a young age, he’s had a few injuries.”
“He’s really professional in looking after his body, it’s really good to see and has a great temperament. Enjoying seeing him bowl from probably 20 yards behind the stumps, that’s where I’d like to be when he’s bowling.”
KL Rahul
The Super Giants’ next challenge is Gujarat Titans on April 7, Sunday. Titans triumphed over Sunrisers Hyderabad with a seven-wicket win. Before facing Super Giants, they’ll battle Punjab Kings on Thursday.