Mayank Yadav's return to competitive cricket after a six-month hiatus was a moment of anticipation, as the tearaway fast bowler made his comeback in a T20 match against Mumbai Indians at the Wankhede Stadium. This was only the second time in his career that he bowled the opening over in a T20, and to top it off, he took his first T20 wicket using a slower ball. The shift in his bowling style was unmistakable, as Mayank had always been known for his blistering pace. But this time, he had come back slower, clocking a top speed of 142.7kph, a far cry from his usual 156.7kph that once turned heads on the speed gun.
For someone who had consistently set the radar buzzing, it was a stark transformation. His trademark blistering pace was missing, but there was something new about his bowling that immediately caught the eye – the inclusion of slower deliveries. It was these variations that proved to be the standout feature of his comeback. In fact, it was the first time in his T20 career that he bowled eight slower balls in a single match. Despite the slower pace, the intelligence in his approach was evident.
Mayank’s career had always been characterized by sheer speed. The selectors, impressed by his raw pace and accuracy, had even awarded him a special fast bowler's central contract. His high-velocity deliveries, once peaking at 156.7kph, had earned him recognition. However, this pace came at a heavy cost: frequent injuries that continually hindered his ability to feature in longer formats. Out of the 36 matches he has played at the representative level, 18 have been T20s, and he has featured in only a single first-class match. This short-format reliance was a byproduct of his recurring injuries, mainly to his back, which sidelined him for the entirety of the 2024-25 domestic season.
His injury layoff had stretched over several months, and his return was delayed further after a bizarre incident where he stubbed his toe against his bed, followed by an infection that set back his recovery. Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) head coach Justin Langer had mentioned in early April that this unfortunate setback pushed his comeback by “a week or two.”
Yet, it was clear from the moment Mayank stepped onto the field against Mumbai Indians that he would take a cautious approach to his comeback. The pace was significantly down, but there was a sense of craftiness in his bowling. He wasn’t the express bowler he once was, but there was still quality in his performance.
The first signs of his skill were apparent after he was taken for two sixes in his third over by none other than Mumbai Indians’ captain Rohit Sharma. However, Mayank showed a keen sense of the game and responded with a well-timed wide slower ball that deceived Rohit into getting out. This delivery was a testament to his growing ability to use variations wisely.
Although his initial overs saw him conceding runs—13 runs in his second over and 15 in his third—Mayank demonstrated resilience and intelligence in his approach. He was clearly not at full throttle, yet his sharp tactical changes began to show results. In his 16th over, he made an impressive comeback. He dismissed Hardik Pandya with a delivery that reversed and uprooted the top of leg stump, a moment that made the crowd buzz with excitement. He then continued to bowl with control, using his slower balls to stifle the likes of Suryakumar Yadav and Naman Dhir, eventually finishing his spell without conceding a boundary in his final over.
His performance didn’t go unnoticed, and cricket legend Anil Kumble was quick to praise him. Kumble noted that, although it would take time for Mayank to return to his prime, his first outing after a long injury layoff was quite impressive. “For a first game, after a long time, especially against a really good batting line-up like Mumbai Indians, and on a good surface at Wankhede, you don’t have too many margins of error,” Kumble said. “Knowing all of that and coming back from injury, he was very impressive.”
Kumble also highlighted Mayank’s wicket-taking ability, noting the crucial dismissals of Rohit Sharma and Hardik Pandya. He added, “The lengths he bowled and the variations he provided were really good.”
This comeback performance was a solid foundation for Mayank. While his pace was down, the quality of his bowling was still evident. The ability to think on his feet and execute variations such as slower deliveries added an extra dimension to his game. With more time on the field, Mayank could fine-tune his bowling and regain some pace, adding those crucial few clicks to his deliveries. But it’s important to note that there's a significant difference between bowling in the mid-140s and the early 150s. The higher pace requires greater accuracy, control, and movement to be effective at the top level.
In the coming months, it will be fascinating to see how Mayank evolves as a bowler. His ability to adapt to different circumstances, like his recent injury, has been impressive, but the real challenge will be his ability to maintain fitness and develop a sustainable bowling action. If he can overcome these hurdles, there’s no reason why he can't return to being the destructive fast bowler that once had the world’s best batsmen on the back foot.
It’s clear that Mayank has a long road ahead, but if his recent performances are anything to go by, he is well on his way to rediscovering the pace and power that made him one of India’s most exciting fast-bowling prospects. With patience, persistence, and the right support, Mayank Yadav could soon be back in the fast lane.
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