India is termed as the powerhouse of batting. Indian cricket was always known for its batting prowess and exceptional batters. On the contrary, Pakistan is known for their world class bowlers well equipped with pace, swing and accuracy. India might not have had the fastest bowlers, but the likes of Kapil Dev, Javagal Srinath, Zaheer Khan, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammad Shami and few others had great skills when it came to swinging the ball. But in spite of all that, pace is a key which was lacking in Indian bowlers. However looking at Mayank Yadav, it seems like times are changing.

One definitely needs some kind of skills to bowl the fastest bowl of a particular IPL season on his debut. And that's exactly where Mayank got noticed. A delivery of 155.8 kmph speed left Dhawan and everyone in awe of the pace which this lad had. And it was not just about his pace, it was also about his composure. He gave away 10 runs in first over, but came back strongly and scalped 3 wickets against PBKS. And today he yet again showcased his accuracy blended with pace, as he scalped 3 wickets for just 14 runs in 4 overs. His peach of a delivery to Cam Green struck the top of off stump, and rushed away to the boundary line. And honestly, it is pleasing to see an Indian youngster bowl so quick.

Mayank Yadav, who hails from Delhi was always a promising player. A skinny guy, he still had lot of power in his arms. And it was first noticed by his coach Devender ji, who also happens to be the coach of Rishabh Pant. He saw the potential in the 14 year old Mayank, and saw the results soon. Mayank's father, who is a small scale businessman always used to tell Mayank to just focus on cricket and not on anything else. And his beloved son did exactly the same. He came in the domestic side in 2022 end, and he impressed everyone in the 2023 Deodhar Trophy with a lot of his deliveries crossing the 155 kmph barrier.

He was selected in IPL for Lucknow Supergiants in the last year itself, but a hamstring injury didn't allow him to participate in any action. But this year, he was set to make his mark, and had earned respect of most of the senior players who faced them in the nets. When Krunal Pandya was asked on who will be their star to watch out, he took Mayank's name, even before the season started. And now the world knows why. Living up to the expectations of his seniors, his coaches and his family, the young gun instantly made it to the headlines as he was given the first chance. The best bowlers in the world like Brett Lee and Dale Steyn tweeting about him is a testament to what respect this young sensation has achieved.

He is not the only player to have achieved this kind of respect. Earlier there have been cases of few Indian bowlers who could bowl quick. VRV Singh, Varun Aaron were a few to name who had great speed. But eventually due to some unknown reasons, they couldn't continue to have the same pace. Umran Malik had also garnered a lot of attention owing to his pace from the past 2 IPL seasons. But lack of discipline and accuracy eventually meant that his pace was hardly of any use. Because pace without swing or discipline is a gift for the batters, who just have to time the ball sweetly to make it count.

But Mayank's case is slightly different. He has got the pace, but more importantly he is bowling in the right areas. He swings less, but his accuracy is the key to his success. And in contrary to all the other speedsters mentioned above, he hardly gives away any room for the batters. Which is why, his pace at times becomes the weapon, which takes the batters by surprise, and on the other occasions it is his discipline which makes him lethal. And if the same continues to happen , Mayank certainly has a bright future, and he might exactly be the bowler Indian team needs.

Looking at the history of Indian bowlers, a bowler with good pace, and great accuracy was surely missing. And Mayank will fit perfectly to fill in those shoes. Obviously the board and NCA have to work hand in hand to take care of his fitness and ensure that he is far away from the injuries. If he is properly nurtured well, and his workload is managed, all the promises he has shown will turn into a reality. Fortunately for him, the guidance of Morne Morkel at a tender age of 21 will surely help him going ahead and would keep a track of all the tick boxes he needs to tick going ahead. And if he continues to perform the same way, who knows that he might be given a chance for the T20 World Cup 2024.