“Where Have You Been Hiding…”: Steyn, Lee Laud LSG’s Debutant Mayank Yadav’s Express Pace Against PBKS

Lucknow (Uttar Pradesh) [India] : Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) pacer Mayank Yadav made his Indian Premier League (IPL) debut with a bang, troubling batters with his fiery pace, hitting the 150 kmph-plus mark consistently and bowling a game-changing spell to guide his team to a 21-run win over Punjab Kings (PBKS) at Ekana Stadium on Sunday.

His debut has earned him acclaim from some of the best bowlers to ever play the game, including pace greats like Brett Lee of Australia and South Africa’s Dale Steyn. Before the Saturday’s IPL game, Mayank has played two first-class matches, 17 List-A games and 11 T20 matches. He represents Delhi at the domestic level, having made his List-A debut in 2021 and his first-class debut in 2022.

As pointed out by the broadcasters, here are the bowling speeds per delivery (in kmph) of Mayank’s unbelievable spell of 3/27 in 10 overs, in which he dismissed Jonny Bairstow, Prabhsimran Singh and Jitesh Sharma to swing the tides in Lucknow’s favour following a century partnership between Bairstow and skipper Shikhar Dhawan in a 200-run chase. He took home the ‘Player of the Match’ award.

1st over: 147, 146, 150, 141, 149, 147 (in kmph)
2nd over: 156, 150, 142, 144 (wicket), 153, 149
3rd over: 152, 150, 147 (wicket), 146, 144, 143
4th over: 153, 154, 149, 142 (wicket), 152, 148

During his spell of 24 balls, Mayank crossed the 150 kmph mark nine times. His first ball of the second over, measured at 155.8 to be precise, is among the fastest deliveries in IPL history and is the fastest of IPL 2024. The fastest delivery in IPL history was bowled by Australia’s Shaun Tait, who touched the 157.7 kmph mark for the Rajasthan Royals against the Delhi Capitals back in 2011.

Here is a look at his fastest delivery:

Following the match, many cricket legends took to social media to appreciate Mayank’s spell.

“India has just found its fastest bowler. Mayank Yadav! Raw pace Very impressive @IPL @JioCinema @BCCI,” tweeted Lee.

Former Indian all-rounder Irfan Pathan also said that Mayank has got some serious pace, writing, “Mayank Yadav has got some serious pace. Good find from @LucknowIPL.”