Mayank Yadav bowled the fastest delivery of the IPL, clocked at 156.7 kmph.© BCCI
Punjab Kings (PBKS) pacer Kagiso Rabada heaped praise on young Indian pacer Mayank Yadav after an impressive start to his career in the Indian Premier League (IPL). Mayank bowled the IPL’s fastest delivery, clocked at 155.8 kmph, on debut for the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) against Rabada’s PBKS. A few nights later, he bettered that score with a blistering speed of 156.7 kmph 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’s really sharp, that’s for sure. He’s a huge weapon. He’ll always rush the batsman. And he shows good control too. He’s born with the pace. Pace doesn’t become bought in the market. That is his real weapon,” Rabada told Hindustan Times in an interaction.
Rabada believes that the teams will have to plan well against Mayank, who makes the most use of the two-bouncer rule in an over.
“The two bouncers help. He hits him with a long back inside. And batters try to attack him but end up hitting him. It also ruins their footwork. They don’t get all the way forward. Unless they When they come forward, they will “They will find it difficult to get on top of him. A raw pace will go 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 the season. However, IPL is just a means to an end for Mayank.
“Feeling very good, two Player of the Match awards in two games. I’m happier that we won both games. My goal is to play for the country. I think this is just the beginning. I have it most enjoyed Cameron Green’s wicket,” Mayank said after LSG’s win over RCB.
Mayank had missed the last season due to injury and he fully knows the importance of fitness.
“There are a lot of factors in bowling fast: nutrition, sleep, training. I focus a lot on my diet and recovery – an ice bath,” he said.
(With PTI inputs)
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