IPL 2024: Faf du Plessis impressed with Mayank Yadav’s control and discipline

Mayank Yadav. (Source -IPL/BCCI)

In the latest IPL 2024 clash between Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) and Lucknow Super Giants (LSG), Mayank Yadav once again demonstrated his skills with the ball. His three-wicket haul played a pivotal role in LSG’s 28-run victory over RCB on Tuesday. Yadav’s ability to control length at this much pace left even the RCB skipper Faf du Plessis in awe, despite his team facing a defeat at the Chinnaswamy Stadium.

“It is the new action you haven’t faced before, and especially if there is a bit of pace behind it that’s promising, It takes batters time to get used to someone’s action to see how the ball is coming out of the hand. So obviously pace is one thing but what impressed me tonight was his ability to control length and bowl with some really good discipline as well, so it’s the pace combined with accuracy,” he said at the post-match presentation. 

Coming off a dream IPL debut where he won the Player of the Match award, the 21-year-old was handed the ball again by KL Rahul. Yadav did not disappoint, bowling consistently above 150 kph. His pace and accuracy immediately put the RCB batting lineup on the backfoot.

Yadav’s first strike came in the 6th over when he got the wicket of dangerous Glenn Maxwell. His next victim was all-rounder Cameron Green, who was beaten for sheer pace and the ball went on to rattle his stumps.

However, Yadav’s best was saved for last. With RCB’s Rajat Patidar looking settled at 29 off 21, Yadav bowled a short ball which got the top edge of Patidar and the ball went straight to Devdutt Padikal at deep square leg.

Also read: Mayank Yadav opens up after back-to-back match-winning shows

He understands that bowling 155 is not easy: KL Rahul

KL Rahul also showed his admiration for the young pacer, for coming back strong after missing the previous two seasons.

“But he’s been in Bombay with the physios working hard. He understands that bowling 155 is not easy and at a very young age, he’s already had a few injuries. He’s 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,” KL said.

Also read: 3 Changes Royal Challengers Bengaluru need to make to get back to winning ways

Yadav’s figures of 3/14 from four overs earned him a second consecutive Player of the Match award. However, the pacer remained grounded, stating his focus was firmly set on eventually representing India.

“This is just a start and my focus is on the main goal, to bowl with pace a lot of things are required (in terms of fitness). Diet, sleep, training, you need everything to be perfect if you want to bowl fast. So my focus is on dieting and recovery, ice baths and all. That is helping me at this time,” he said at the post-match presentation ceremony.