IPL 2024: How Raw Talent Mayank Yadav Was Unearthed By Lucknow Super Giants Coach Vijay Dahiya

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Young Lucknow Super Giants pacer Mayank Yadav has become the talk of the cricketing corridors ever since his impressive debut against Punjab Kings, where the Delhi cricketer bowled the fastest delivery of IPL 2024.

Fast bowling with raw pace has always fascinated cricket fans and experts alike since the 21-year-old right-arm merchant of pace from Delhi burst onto the scene.

Former India wicketkeeper and Lucknow SuperGiants' assistant coach, Vijay Dahiya, has revealed how he unearthed the raw talent of Mayank Yadav. Dahiya also revealed the intriguing story behind his discovery during an episode of FanCode's 'The Super Over'.

Dahiya reminisced about the time when Mayank Yadav, then relatively unknown, caught his attention during a net session during the Deodhar Trophy and later in the nets during the Ranji Trophy season.

Dahiya on FanCode's show 'The Super Over', "Mayank doesn't have much of an experience as far as being a first-class bowler. However, in this year's Deodhar Trophy, he has given everybody a bit of a teaser on what he's capable of. He was bowling 150 plus there as well, but you want me to rewind a little bit more on how he came into the scene."

Dahiya further revealed that during his stint with the UP team as coach in the Ranji Trophy, he was intrigued by the prowess of the young bowler and moved closer to witnessing him in action. Yadav's bowling had an unmistakable edge, troubling even seasoned batsmen in the nets, leaving Dahiya astounded.

"I think I was coaching the UP team in the Ranji Trophy and we were playing in Mohali. And next to our net, the Delhi Team was practising so I was just standing there and I saw this kid and slowly I moved towards the Delhi net to have a look at him and he was amazing.

"What I loved about his run-up - you wanna put everything in one bracket and see what is there, what is the reason behind him, why he is bowling, the way he is bowling. And you know few names were batting in that net experience and he was troubling them like anything and few were in the UP side as well in my net and he was looking far better than those guys."

He was quick to recognise the potential in Yadav and wasted no time in extending an invitation to the budding talent to join the Lucknow Super Giants. Impressed by Yadav's demeanour and skill set, Dahiya made immediate arrangements to bring him on board.

"So, I made a few calls right after that net session, had a chat with him and said, we'd love to see a couple of more videos of yours. Not for my sake, because what I saw straight away, I said, alright, this guy is coming to Lucknow, and I think now we'll be looking at him."

Despite an unfortunate setback due to injury preventing Yadav from showcasing his talent in the IPL last year, Dahiya remained unwavering in his belief in the young pacer's capabilities. He attributes Yadav's standout quality not just to his sheer pace but also to his mindset, which sets him apart from his peers.

"The Lucknow team was playing some practice matches and he got injured in those practice games and couldn't play that season. But what a start for him. The most impressive thing for me is not only the pace, I think his mindset impressed me the most.

Because when you see somebody bowling, a youngster bowling 150 plus, you'll see a lot of bouncers. But he used his short pitch ball to his advantage and all his dismissals were that mindset of bowling to a short pitch and creating trouble for one and all."

Dahiya admires Yadav's strategic approach to bowling, utilising short-pitched deliveries to outsmart batsmen, a testament to his adaptability and cricketing acumen beyond his years.

Reflecting on Yadav's journey thus far, Dahiya remains optimistic about his future in Indian cricket. He emphasises Yadav's exceptional talent, mental fortitude, and ability to rise above challenges as defining traits that position him as a rising star in the cricketing arena.