Former India batter Sanjay Manjrekar was very excited about the latest pace sensation unearthed in the IPL 2024 in LSG’s Mayank Yadav. Yadav, who made his IPL debut against Punjab Kings on Friday, made an instant impression thanks to his searing pace.
On Saturday, March 30, Mayank recorded the fastest ball of IPL 2024 after clocking a stunning 155.8 km/h. He consistently hit above 150 kph with good line and length and helped LSG defend 199 runs. PBKs only managed 178/5 and lost the game by 21 runs.
Mayank also won the Player of the Match for his 3/27 in 4 overs. Apart from his ability to generate pace, the 21-year-old also showed impeccable control over his line and length.
Manjrekar was happy to the extent that he drew Mayank’s parallels with Rawalpindi Express Shoaib Akhtar, who still holds the record for the fastest delivery in international cricket.
“India will be buzzing today. We have found the Delhi Express after the Rawalpindi Express from Pakistan. Yeah, wonderful. Yes (he knows there’s a challenge from hereon). You know the chairman of the Indian selection committee, Ajit Agarkar is a former fast bowler. He gets very excited when he sees fast-bowling talent,” Manjrekar said on Star Sports.
Manjrekar stated that India can quickly integrate Mayank into the national team and make use of his innate speed. He requested that India use Mayank's skills while the pacer is at his peak performance.
“As I was saying on air, this kind of pace doesn’t stay with you for 7-8 years. When you have got it, Pakistan used to do it in the past. Waqar Younis, for instance. You sometimes have to fast-track fast bowlers. Sometimes, it works. It’s just a format we have to decide. We can fast-track him. I know I am going far too ahead, but I was so excited seeing his pace. The slowest ball he bowled was 139 kph,” he added.
