Only 15 games have been played in the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 but Lucknow Super Giants’ (LSG) young fast bowler Mayank Yadav is already the find of the tournament. At M.Chinnaswamy Stadium where bowlers are on the back foot considering the dimensions of the ground and batting-friendly conditions, Mayank intimidated Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) batters with his sheer pace and took the game away from them. He bowled thunderbolts and picked up three wickets for just 14 runs. After the match-winning spell, Mayank revealed how he has been able to bowl so fast and consistently.
“There are a lot of factors to bowl quick - diet, sleep, training. I am focusing a lot on my diet and recovery - ice bath,” Mayank said in the post-match presentation.
The 21-year-old is happy with consecutive ‘Player of the Match’ awards and wants to represent India soon.
“Feel really good, two Player of the Match awards in two matches. I am happier that we won both the matches. My goal is to play for the country. I feel this is just the start. I enjoyed Cameron Green's wicket the most,” he said.
Rahul in awe of young pacer
LSG skipper KL Rahul praised Mayank for derailing RCB's run chase and helping the visitors register a 28-run win. He revealed how keeping wickets is a challenge against him as well. Also, he talked about the young bowler’s patience and how he has been professional in his approach.
“One ball hit me really hard, so happy to see Mayank bowl the way he's been bowling in the last couple of games. He's quietly patiently waited for two seasons in the dug-out, missed out last year because of injury unfortunately. But he's been in Bombay with the physios working really hard. He understands that bowling 155 is not easy and in a young age, he's had a few injuries. He's really professional in looking after his body, it's really good to see and has a great temperament. Enjoying seeing him bowl from probably 20 yards behind the stumps, that's where I'd like to be when he's bowling,” the wicketkeeper-batter said.
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