Brett Lee goes ballistic after Mayank Yadav's sensational spell in the IPL, labels him India's fastest bowler
Published - 31 Mar 2024, 10:36 AM | Updated - 23 Aug 2024, 01:09 AM
Lucknow Super Giants speedster Mayank Yadav made a remarkable debut in the 11th match of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024. Mayank Yadav’s stellar performance earned recognition from the cricketing world, including former Australian fast bowler Brett Lee.
The 21-year-old sensation grabbed attention by delivering the fastest ball of the IPL 2024, clocking an impressive speed of 155.8 kph. This accomplishment places him among the elite, ranking as the fifth-quickest delivery in the history of the marquee tournament.
Yadav played a pivotal role in the Lucknow Super Giants’ 21-run victory over the Punjab Kings (PBKS) at the Ekana Cricket Stadium in Lucknow on Saturday, March 30. The young pacer earned the Player of the Match award for his brilliant performance with the ball.
Mayank Yadav, Raw Pace – Brett Lee
Brett Lee took to X (formerly Twitter) to laud Mayank Yadav, describing him as India’s latest speed sensation. Lee highlighted Mayank’s raw pace and impressive performance, suggesting that India had discovered a potent bowling asset.
“India has just found its fastest bowler. Mayank Yadav, Raw pace. Very impressive,” Lee wrote.
Chasing LSG’s 199/8, PBKS started strongly with openers Dhawan and Bairstow forming a 102-run partnership in 11.4 overs. Mayank Yadav dismissed Bairstow, who scored 42 off 29. The early breakthrough proved crucial in LSG’s victory over the Punjab team.
The delivery to Dhawan during the 12th over hit a remarkable 155.8 kph, setting the season’s fastest record. Shaun Tait holds the overall league record at 157.7 kph. This achievement places him second fastest by an Indian after young fast bowler Umran Malik.
Yadav ended with figures of 3/27, displaying his bowling mastery. Remarkably, he exceeded 145 kmph in 18 of the 24 balls bowled. The pacer dismissed Prabhsimran Singh and wicketkeeper-batter Jitesh Sharma as Lucknow recorded their first win this season.
Debut Wicket The Favourite – Mayank Yadav
After receiving the Player of the Match award, Mayank Yadav revealed that his strategy focused on maintaining composure, aiming accurately at the stumps, and maximizing his pace. Yadav stated that Jonny Bairstow’s dismissal was his favorite.
“I’ve always heard from others there’s nervousness in debuts but that goes away after the first ball. Plan was to not be under too much pressure and to bowl at the stumps and use the pace as much as possible. There was the thought to mix up the pace initially but the wicket helped and the skipper told me to bowl gas. The debut wicket was the favorite. Coming off the injury last season was tough, I’d set my goal to debut at a young age but injuries were a setback,” Mayank said.
Mayank was selected by LSG ahead of the IPL 2023 auction for his base price of Rs 20 lakh but missed the entire season due to injury. Nonetheless, he made a significant impact when he finally returned to the field. LSG’s decision to keep Mayank under wraps paid off.
The KL Rahul-led team will take on the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) in their next match at the M.Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru on Tuesday, April 2.
