Mayank Yadav came into limelight when he consistently clocked 150kmph in four IPL 2024 matches that he played for Lucknow Super Giants.
New Delhi: Mayank Yadav, who made his debut against Bangladesh in the first T20I, opined that he focused more on his body than pace in his first international game on Sunday. The Delhi pacer came into limelight when he impressed everyone in IPL 2024 with his pace, clocking 156.7kph in a league game which was also the fastest in the tournament’s history, while playing for Lucknow Super Giants.
However, his joy was shortlived as the 22-year-old suffered a side strain and was ruled out of the tournament after just four games. Thereafter, Yadav spent most of his time at the National Cricket Academy, under the guidance of BCCI coaches and the mentorship of NCA chief VVS Laxman.
Yadav made his India debut without playing a domestic game in between and started his international career with a maiden over before picking up his first wicket in his second over. Speaking after the game, Yadav stated, “I focused more on my body.
“Also, I was determined to hit the proper lengths instead of bowling faster. I didn’t think about my speed. I just tried leaking the least runs possible and bowling at a proper line and length.” Known for his pace, Yadav didn’t cross the coveted 150 kmph mark against Bangladesh.
Instead, his fastest at the New Madhavrao Scindia Cricket Stadium in Gwalior was clocked at 149.9 kmph which came in his second over. He also revealed his conversation with captain Suryakumar Yadav. “I did bowl the slower ones in the IPL as well but not much.
“I had a word with my captain and he asked me to rely on my stalk ball more than trying out variations. But coming to Gwalior, the wicket didn’t have much bounce so I changed my pace accordingly,” added the fast bowler.
Yadav also revealed that he was more nervous than excited before his debut. “I was indeed excited but was a bit more nervous. This series marked my comeback after the injury. I didn’t play competitive cricket and then directly made my debut. That’s why I was a little more nervous,” Yadav said.
“The recovery period was tough for more. Quite a lot of ups and downs were there in the last 4 months. But more than me, it was tougher for the people who worked with me,” he added.