Punjab Kings fast bowler Kagiso Rabada has praised young fast bowler Mayank Yadav, who has made a great start to his career in the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL). Mayank bowled the fastest ball of the IPL on his debut for Lucknow Super Giants against Rabada’s Punjab Kings, clocking in at 155.8 kmph. A few days later, he bowled the ball at a speed of 156.7 km per hour against Royal Challengers Bangalore, which was more than the fastest ball bowled on his debut. Rabada has praised Mayank Agarwal and said that “fast pace cannot be bought from the market.”
Kagiso Rabada told Hindustan Times, further, “He has raw pace. He is really fast, that’s obvious. It is a big weapon. He will always run the batsman. And he is also showing some good control. He was born with speed. Speed is not bought in the market. It is his real weapon.”
Rabada feels that teams will have to plan well against Mayank, who is making the most of the two-bouncer rule in an over. Rabada said, “Two bouncers are helping. He is hitting it behind the length and the batsmen are trying to stop him but they end up getting hit. This also messes up their footwork. They do not move forward.” “By the time he comes forward, it will be difficult for him to get ahead of him. Teams will have to plan carefully against him.”
With back-to-back Player of the Match performances in his debut season, 21-year-old Mayank is emerging as the Emerging Player of the Tournament. Rabada further said, “It feels really good, two Player of the Match awards in two matches. I am happy that we won both the matches. My aim is to play for the country. I think this is just the beginning. I “Enjoyed the wicket of Cameron Green the most.”
Mayank could not play the last season due to injury and he fully knows the importance of fitness. He said, “There are many factors in bowling fast – diet, sleep, practice. I am very focused on my diet and recovery – ice baths.”