Naman Dhir of the Mumbai Indians gave a nonchalant, even contemptuous reaction when asked about playing Mayank Yadav before their IPL match.
Nothing noteworthy is happening; I’m batting and he’s bowling. For me, it’s just another bowler. I wouldn’t claim to have prepared anything extra for him. He’s simply another bowler, I would say, although I have watched his movies to learn what he bowls and what strokes I can play,” Dhir said.
But as the game progressed, the figures revealed something else. Naman only managed two runs against four deliveries from Mayank, which begs the issue of whether his lack of interest was warranted.
A Quiet Comeback for the Speedster
There was a lot of excitement around Mayank Yadav’s eagerly anticipated comeback to the IPL. However, in contrast to the spectacular standards he established last season, his comeback against the Mumbai Indians was muted.
Mayank recorded statistics of 2 for 40 in a high-scoring match, which was a solid effort but lacked the explosive pace, quick bounce, and intense aggressiveness that used to make him the buzz of Indian cricket.
Hardik Pandya and Rohit Sharma were two important wickets that Mayank took, but they did it via cunning trickery rather than forceful speed. Slower deliveries that were well-disguised led to both dismissals. While Hardik was bowled through the gate with a 134.2 km/h delivery, Rohit guided a ball travelling at 120 km/h to short third man.
Everyone was watching the speed gun in anticipation of Mayank’s renowned thunderbolts when he started the bowling for the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG). Instead, his fastest delivery was just about 142 km/h, which was a lot slower than the 150+ km/h missiles he frequently threw during the previous season.
A Glimpse of the Past
The Mayank Yadav who made his debut the previous year was a completely different animal.
He was a key contributor to LSG’s success, bowling consistently above 150 km/h and once reaching a scorching 156.7 km/h, the second-fastest by an Indian behind Umran Malik. In the four games he participated in, they prevailed, and Mayank was named Player of the Match twice. His remarkable seven-wicket total in 12.1 overs came at an economy of 6.98 and an average of only 12.14, which were among the best for bowlers who had bowled more than 10 overs.
He received a special fast-bowler contract from the BCCI and an India T20I cap as a result of his outstanding start. But he was sidelined for more than six months due to a back ailment, which ended his ascent. The last time he played competitively was on October 12, 2024.
LSG’s Patient Approach with Mayank
Given his enormous talent and delicate physique, the Lucknow Super Giants have adopted a very cautious stance.
Regarding Mayank’s recovery, LSG mentor Zaheer Khan expressed optimism: “He finished the game, remained on the pitch for 20 overs, and bowled four overs. As he plays more, his pace and execution will get better. “What matters is that he overcame that initial significant obstacle,” Zaheer said.
His workload and level of fitness were closely monitored by the franchise in close collaboration with the BCCI’s Centre of Excellence’s Sports Science staff. Before allowing him to play the entire game, they even considered employing him as an Impact Player.
“A strategy for increasing his workload has been established. We’re establishing conditions that will allow him to thrive once more. Fast bowling is difficult, particularly after a string of injuries. “We’re putting his physical and mental well-being first,” Zaheer clarified.
A Long Road Back, but Signs of Hope
It seems sense that Mayank appeared somewhat rusty on Sunday. The rhythm was absent, the terror element was diminished, and the absence of game time was obvious. There could be a psychological component as well, with the 22-year-old unconsciously holding back to safeguard his body.
However, there is a bright side: Mayank survived the match unharmed. LSG and Indian cricket fans may anticipate a gradual return to the pace and venom as he completes more overs.
The trip back has begun, even though the fiery Mayank of old was not entirely on exhibit. And cricket fans may soon see him light the speed guns on fire once more if LSG’s cautious management proves successful.
