KL Rahul reveals never before story of Mayank Yadav

Mayank Yadav began his Indian T20 League career with a stalwart performance. After shattering three timbers in his debut match against Punjab, the 21-year-old pacer claimed three crucial wickets against Bangalore as well. With six wickets, he stands second in the Purple cap leaderboard below Chennai’s Mustafizur Rahman who has 7 under his belt.

The Delhi-based seamer has a high chance of getting selected for the Senior Indian Team in the near future. Mayank clocked 156.7 kmph against BLR at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru, breaking his own record of 155.8 and announced his arrival in the highest level of cricket. 

After winning against the Challengers, LUC skipper KL Rahul praised the Proteas batter Quinton de Kock for giving his side a perfect start with a record-smashing knock. Rahul also lauded speedster Mayank Yadav for his remarkable pace bowling and disclosed that one of Yadav’s deliveries even hit him. 

“After being struck hard by a ball, I was delighted to see Mayank bowling with such skills in recent matches. Having patiently waited on the bench for two seasons and missing last year due to an unfortunate injury, he has been diligently training with the physios in Mumbai to prepare for his return,” expressed Rahul.

“Despite being young, he knows that consistently bowling at 155 kph is challenging and has resulted in some injuries. He exhibits professionalism in maintaining his fitness, which is admirable, and has a composed temperament. It’s a treat to see him bowling from around 20 yards behind the stumps—that’s where I’d prefer to be when he has the ball.” Rahul added.

Mayank writes history

The 21-year-old impressed with his fast pace in the Indian T20 League 2024, and consistently breached the 150 kmph mark to dismantle crucial wickets like that of Glenn Maxwell who went for a silver duck. Cameron Green faced an unplayable delivery after that directly hit the stumps. Registering match-winning figures, Mayank also dismissed Rajat Patidar for 29 runs to put Lucknow ahead in the match. His four economic overs (14 runs), made him win the ‘Player of the Match Award’,  becoming the first bowler to win the award in his first two matches of the Indian T20 League games.