At 22, Mayank Yadav could already be India’s fastest-ever consistent bowler. Umran Malik may have bowled the fastest ball, but it’s Mayank who reaches those 155 peaks consistently. On his IPL 2024 debut alone, the slowest ball he bowled was at 140 kmph. 8 of his 24 deliveries were over 150 kmph. In just 4 matches (73 balls), he threw at least two dozen 150+ kmph rockets, which includes the fourth-fastest IPL ball of all time (156.7).
Shockingly, Mayank was unaware that he could bowl that fast. Playing at the Sonnet Cricket Club in Delhi since he was 14, he was often told by his coaches and peers that he was bowling at 150 kmph. But the speedster didn’t believe it. It was only two years ago when he realized that he was a speed demon.
“I was not aware I could bowl this quick. I always thought I bowled at a pace which is normal for anybody. Devender Sharma sir (coach at Sonnet Cricket Club) and people in Delhi cricket would tell me I am bowling 150 kmph but I never believed them. In my first session at LSG in 2022, I bowled for a while. The support staff asked me to guess the speed of my deliveries. I said 140 kmph since I felt I bowled in a good rhythm. But then they told me I was bowling 149 and 150 kmph throughout. That’s when I realized I could bowl really quick.” Mayank told Times of India after receiving his maiden India call-up.
With pace comes injuries
However, his not knowing his potential ended up hurting him. He suffered injuries soon and couldn’t play in the IPL 2022 or 2023 seasons. Mayank’s body was equipped to take the load of bowling at hyperspeeds. He soon learned that his diet didn’t have enough protein. However, ever since he came under BCCI’s radar and earned himself a fast-bowling contract, he’s gotten a better idea of his body and has people working around the clock to ensure he’s at his best.
“When I was with LSG, I went to Dr. Dinshaw Pardiwala (one who treated Rishabh Pant and looks after India’s Olympians). He told me my side strain is not a regular one. It happens to athletes in high-intensity sports like javelin, or there must have been a major impact with an object. When I went to NCA after IPL, it was found that I was not taking enough protein. Since I am a strict vegetarian, I had to be given supplements. I had other niggles when I was about to get fit. It was agonizing, but people at NCA like Troy Cooley and my trainer Rajnikanth were helpful. I can tell you that I understand my body now,” Mayank Yadav added.
