India’s pace prodigy Mayank Yadav got his T20I debut versus Bangladesh at the New Madhavrao Scindia Cricket Stadium, Gwalior on October 6, 2024. The skilled pacer got off the mark immediately with a wicket in his first foray into senior T20I cricket. He also managed to concede 21 runs in 4 overs to round off a decent first outing in the limited-overs format.
However, fans noticed the cricketer didn’t fire on all cylinders as they have been used to since his IPL debut. Yadav is capable of insane pace balls and can register 150 kmph pitches without hassle. However, fans feel he didn’t go all out on his debut for the T20I squad. Yadav has been out with an injury for over 4 months and returned to make his first appearance in this format.
Mayank Yadav Speaks on His Recovery
Yadav has been out of competitive cricket for over 4 months after a great outing at IPL 2024. The cricketer had a tough recovery period, according to comments he made during a recent interview:
“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,” Yadav said.
“I focused more on my body. Also, I was determined to hit 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,” Yadav added.
Yadav Speaks on His Bowling Speeds
Mayank Yadav joins Jasprit Bumrah and few other pacers in India’s 150 kmph at just 22 years old. The cricketer shared that he only realised his bowling speeds could exceed 150 kmph in 2022:
“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 [Yadav’s former coach] and people in Delhi cricket would tell me I am bowling 150 kmph but I never believed them.”
Yadav’s debut season at LSG in 2022 unearthed his immense bowling potential with super-fast balls during training:
“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.”
Team India Head Coach Encourages Yadav
Gautam Gambhir has spent few months as Team India’s head coach and has shared some advice with the young Yadav. Mayank shared details about the admonition from Gambhir for Yadav to maintain his game:
“he asked me to stick to the basics and do the things that have yielded positive results for me in the past. He asked me not to think much about trying different things or even think that it was an international game. Following the process was the key.”
Aakash Chopra Explains Why Yadav Didn’t Bowl at 150 kmph
Veteran Team India cricketer-turned-commentator Aakash Chopra has weighed in on the conversation about Yadav’s bowling performance during his debut. The veteran seemed impressed with India’s young T20 pacer and cited Yadav’s injury recovery as a reason behind his careful bowling spell on October 6, 2024:
“Mayank Yadav bowled his first over as a maiden – Mayank ‘Gatimaan’ Yadav. He hadn’t played cricket for four months. He was coming back after an injury. There were a few butterflies in his stomach. There was a little nervous energy as well.”
Chopra shared on his YouTube channel that Yadav’s start was impressive by all standards and believed he didn’t want to push himself with high-powered bowling speeds:
“However, he started well and tried to bowl in straight lines. He wasn’t trying to reach 150-160 kph because there was a little more focus on the body – ‘Let’s not push myself because I am coming back after an injury’. However, there is no doubt that this bowler has pace,” Chopra added.
The veteran commentator also claimed that Yadav’s brilliant performance showed he has pace to deliver impressive outings for India. Chopra stated that Yadav’s recovery will determine how he performs going forward, and he could take some time to get back to full fitness:
“He bowled at a good pace and showed that he has got the ingredients. You are seeing the ingredients as of now with which an excellent dish can be prepared. However, that will take some time and the Indian team will give him time, that’s what I feel,” Chopra concluded.
