Who is Mayank Yadav, LSG debutant who bowled 155.8 kph scorcher against PBKS, fastest ball of IPL 2024

The 21-year-old Mayank went on to scalp the first three wickets of Punjab: Jonny Bairstow (42 off 29), Prabhsimran Singh (19) and Jitesh Sharma (6). All three batters were overwhelmed by the pace of the youngster and ended up offering a catch.

Those three wickets halted the run flow of the Punjab franchise, who were 101/0 at one stage. But Mayank’s wickets meant they were soon reduced to 139/3. Things got even more difficult afterwards for Punjab as they lose two quick wickets to slump to 141/5.

Even before he bowled the 155.8 kmph thunderbolt in his second over, Mayank caused a stir in his first over itself by bowling with incredible speeds, where he touched the hallowed 150 kmph mark. His speeds in the first over read: 147 kmph, 146 kmph, 150 kmph, 141 kmph and 149 kmph.

Mayank’s pace in 24 balls he bowled

Mayank Yadav’s speeds in the 24 balls he bowled against Punjab Kings on his debut IPL game for the Lucknow Super Giants. (Screengrab via JioCinema)

Mayank thus has the three fastest balls of IPL 2024: 155.8 kph, 153.9 kph and 153.4 kph.

Check out the list of the fastest balls in IPL 2024.

“Mayank surprised me. His pace outsmarted us,” admitted PBKS captain Shikhar Dhawan in the post-match press conference. “He bowled really well. It was nice facing him, surprised me with that pace. Knew as an experienced player I’d use it. But he figured it out and bowled yorkers to keep me down to a dot and a single. I was mindful and told my partners to use the short side. He bowled at Prabh’s body and got him out. Told Jitesh to leave Mayank and take on the other bowlers but they bowled well too and then used the pressure against us.”

LSG bowling coach Morne Morkel added: “Young Mayank bowled serious heat and got the wickets. He ran in and that was the pleasing thing. We asked the guys to do the basics well on a good wicket. Told him to stick to his lengths and use bouncers. Proud he ran in and bowled gas despite the humidity.”

Mayank’s pace got some of the fastest bowlers in history excited.

“India has just found its fastest bowler. Mayank Yadav! Raw pace. Very impressive,” Brett Lee tweeted.

In the post-match chat, Stuart Broad said in the Star Sports studio that he has already texted Australia’s Steve Smith, asking him to be ready for Mayank when India tour Australia later this year.

The secret we've been keeping 😍🔥pic.twitter.com/BapLhcI2dR

— Lucknow Super Giants (@LucknowIPL) March 30, 2024

https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js

But who is Mayank Yadav? We tell you.

1. 01

   LSG's Justin Langer had given an indication of Mayank Yadav's talent

   Even before the season started, LSG were in trouble. They had learnt that David Willey and Mark Wood would not be available. But coach Justin Langer named Mayank as one of the players who could shoulder the burder.

   "Of course, Wood will be missed. He's a world-class bowler - but this is the world we live in and we will adapt and we will be okay. We have Shamar Joseph. And we have Mayank who bowls with very good pace. Hopefully we can replace, not [Wood's] experience, but his pace with Shamar Joseph and Mayank," Langer said ahead of IPL 2024. On Saturday, Mayank showed that he was ready.

2. 02

   Mayank Yadav was picked by LSG in 2022 mega-auction

   Mayank Yadav was an uncapped player who was picked by the Lucknow franchise in the 2022 mega-auction for a price of just Rs 20 lakh.

3. 03

   Injured in IPL 2023

   Mayank Yadav unfortunately could not play for LSG in the 2023 season because he was injured. He was replaced by Arpit Guleria by the franchise. "It was tough for him last year as he got injured after the first warm-up game. We're managing him better," said LSG bowling coach Morne Morkel. 

4. 04

   Impressive in 2023 Deodhar Trophy

   Mayank made his name by giving impressive performances in the 2023 Deodhar Trophy. He turned out for the North Zone team. He was the joint-second highest wicket-taker with 12 wickets in five innings. 

5. 05

   The boy who plays for Delhi

   <p>Mayank Yadav represents Delhi on the domestic cricket. He has played 10 T20s and 17 List A matches, claiming a total of 46 wickets across formats.</p>