Ex-India Bowling Coach Shares Strong Opinion on Forgotten 156.7 kmph Speedster
In the opening week of IPL 2024, a young and promising 21-year-old fast bowler made an explosive entry onto the cricket scene. Mayank Yadav, representing the Lucknow Super Giants, effortlessly hit speeds of 150 kph and claimed six wickets in his first two matches. His impressive performance quickly garnered attention, with many predicting him as a future star for India.
There were even calls for his inclusion in the 2024 T20 World Cup squad and the upcoming tour of Australia. However, with the T20 World Cup now in the past and the Australia tour approaching, the initial excitement surrounding Mayank Yadav has significantly diminished. In reality, the fast bowler has not played a single match since the IPL.
Yadav is reportedly still on the mend from an injury and has not yet resumed bowling. Now 22 years old, he has been spending time at the National Cricket Academy (NCA) in Bengaluru.
“He has spent every alternate week over the last three months at the NCA. We are hoping that he will be back to his best before our first Ranji Trophy match,” shared a Delhi and District Cricket Association (DDCA) official with The Indian Express.
Narender Negi, Mayank’s mentor and former Delhi U19 coach, mentioned that as Mayank gradually returns to cricket, he is following a routine that includes bowling 12-15 overs a day. Recently, Mayank withdrew from the ongoing Delhi Premier League 2024.
“He has been given a routine by the physios at the NCA. They are monitoring his body. He has been working on his strength and has been told to develop his leg and back muscles. They are being very careful with Mayank,” said Negi.
“He is a special talent and is being looked after by the BCCI, who don’t want to take any risk with Mayank,” Negi added.
Former Team India bowling coach Paras Mhambrey, who worked under Rahul Dravid’s tenure, emphasized the need for Mayank to return to active play.
“I don’t agree that if he is not ready, just don’t play him. This is the age where he has to bowl. A bowler should bowl. The more you bowl, the more you will have control, you will know your threshold as to how much your body can take. You can’t wrap him up in cotton wool saying he will get injured,” said Mhambrey.
Mhambrey also urged Mayank to engage more in red ball cricket, believing it would enhance both his fitness and confidence.
“When you play one season, you understand your bowling. You bowl in different conditions. Physically, you will be tested in different phases of the game. Sometimes, you will have to be on the ground for six sessions. And to be able to bowl with the same intensity in the last session will give you confidence when you play at the international level. I strongly feel Mayank needs to grind it out in the domestic season,” he concluded.
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