Rockets, superbikes and jet planes. They have all been a favourite of Mayank Yadav since his childhood.

That speed factor is what matters and counts for this 21-year-old fast bowler from Punjabi Bagh in west Delhi, who like Rishabh Pant, is also a product of Sonnet Club in the capital.

On his IPL debut on Saturday, young Mayank rocked Punjab Kings batsmen with his raw pace and helped Lucknow Super Giants to their maiden victory in IPL 2024 in the form of a 21-run win at the Ekana International Stadium in Lucknow.

As many as nine times during his match-winning spell of 4-0-27-3, Mayank crossed the 150kmph mark and also clocked 156kmph in the first ball of his second over, which has gone down as one of the fastest deliveries ever in the competition.

Before his maiden IPL appearance, 17 List A games, 10 T20s and a first-class match were all that he had as experience at the senior level.

Besides, the clash against the Kings was also his first competitive game since December 1 last year, owing to a side strain and rib injury which had sidelined him
after last year’s Vijay Hazare Trophy.

Back in action, the youngster utilised the short ball to near-perfection on Saturday. If he stays fit and performs consistently in the remainder of this IPL, Mayank’s career may go places.

“The national selectors are quite impressed with how Mayank performed yesterday (Saturday). Now, all that this young fellow needs to do is be consistent alongside making sure he avoids injuries and stays fit.

“If he can do so, you may well see him in the squad for the Bangladesh Tests (coming September). His extra pace is definitely one big plus point,” a BCCI official told The Telegraph.

From hereon, what Mayank needs to focus on is sharpening his skills in terms of producing the yorker and playing as many matches as possible, feels Delhi coach Devang Gandhi. “I used to tell him, ‘Look at (Jasprit) Bumrah and how he bowls the yorkers.’

“At this level, one can’t survive with just sheer pace. You must have variations. I’m sure he has it in mind.

“Also, the more first-class games he plays, the fitter will he get. Undergoing that grind of first-class cricket is massive for any pacer,” Devang, also a former national selector, stated.