IPL 2024: 'Where have you been Hiding', Mayank Yadav's Idol Dale Steyn awestruck by the LSG Pacer

Lucknow Super Giants pacer Mayank Yadav scripted a fantastic IPL debut on Saturday (March 30) with a stellar bowling spell against the Punjab Kings.

Mayank, 21, picked up three wickets and changed the course of the match. But apart from the wickets, his raw pace really struck the cricketing world.

The youngster clocked 150 kph and more constantly and bowled the fastest delivery of IPL 2024, which clocked 155.8 kph. His ability to bowl accurately with a consistent pace was admired by the pundits.

Dale Steyn is my Idol: Mayank Yadav

After the match, Mayank revealed that former South African pacer Dale Steyn is the only bowler he grew up idolizing. The LSG pacer spoke to the media after the match and said, "I look up to only one fast bowler, Dale Steyn, he is my idol."

He also said that his main aim is to bowl economically with pace. It was quite vivid on his debut as the LSG pacer only conceded 27 runs in his four overs, a match-winning spell which earned him the Player of the Match award.

Dale Steyn acknowledges Mayank Yadav

It seems the admiration has become both ways after Mayank's terrific IPL debut. His idol Dale Steyn took to social media after the match and expressed his astonishment at the pace of the young LSG bowler.

Steyn posted on his X profile writing, "155.8 KPH! Mayank Yadav where have you been hiding!"

Incidentally, Mayank Yadav was bought by LSG in the IPL 2022 auction but never played a game. An injury ruled him out from last year's IPL but it is a grand arrival for the Delhi-born speedster, who would be hoping to stamp his place in the LSG side in the upcoming matches.

The youngster also opened up on his long list of injury battles which halted his career in the past couple of years.

"I had a side strain; it was a rib fracture after the Vijay Hazare Trophy. Injuries are a part of a fast bowler's life and they are your friends. I have had 2 to 3 major injuries in the last one and a half years, and it was downfall for me. Last season, I missed the IPL due to injuries. The focus is mostly on recovery and training," he said.