One of the highlights of IPL 2024 was the emergence of young fast bowler Mayank Yadav whose ability to consistently bowl in the 150 kphs caught the attention. And it wasn’t just his raw pace that made him an instant hit.
The control Mayank showed despite the pace impressed the experts and despite a limited appearance – seven wickets in four games – he left a lasting impression while representing Lucknow Super Giants.
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It’s been nearly four months since the Delhi pacer played any competitive match. An abdominal issue forced him out of the remainder of the season and it appears he’s still recovering from the fitness concerns having not made it to the inaugural season of Delhi Premier League nor in any of the Duleep Trophy squads.
The impression is the bowler his being handled with care given his young age and history with injuries.
Former India bowling coach Paras Mhambrey though differs and feels Mayank is at an age where the more he bowls, the better he will get.
“I don’t agree that if he (Mayank) is not ready, just don’t play him,” Mhambrey told The Indian Express. “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.”
Mhambrey, a former India fast bowler, wants the 22-year-old to “play first-class cricket” to get a better understanding of his own bowling which will also put him in a good stead.
“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,” Mhambrey said.
Mayank has played one first-class match besides 17 List A games and 14 T20s since making his competitive debut in December 2021.
While he has shown the spark, Mhambrey reckons the next step for the team management is to understand his background and chart out a fitness plan.
“He’s only 22. His body is still developing. He is in that injury-prone age-group. His body has not completely developed yet. His injuries can be controlled, if we understand his background well,” Mhambrey said.
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