Fast-bowling sensation Mayank Yadav returned to competitive cricket in the IPL 2025 after a long injury break. Fans and experts, however, were quick to observe a huge decline in his pace during his comeback game against the Mumbai Indians at Wankhede Stadium. Though his speed was lower, Mayank demonstrated glimpses of a more astute, strategic bowler in action.
Slower, But Smarter: Mayank Yadav’s Comeback Performance
Mayank Yadav made his long-awaited return to competitive cricket for Karlskoga after his injury layoff in October 2020. Although he achieved a top speed of 142.7 kph, which in the past would have been his base pace, he bowled far slower than in his previous levels of blistering pace. He was 4-0-40-2, but the standout of a pretty uneventful appearance was the slower balls that he folded from his rod.
Mayank delivered eight slower balls, which is the most he has bowled in a single T20 match. This marks a change of style — from unadulterated pace to calculated variation.
Injuries Force Mayank Yadav to Use a Different Strategy
Mayank Yadav’s return comes after a six-month hiatus due to a back injury that forced him to miss the entire 2024–25 domestic season. The pacer was undergoing rehabilitation at the BCCI’s Center of Excellence in Bengaluru. His comeback was slightly delayed due to an unusual toe injury that led to a minor infection, as confirmed by LSG head coach Justin Langer.
Renowned for clocking speeds of over 156.7kph, Mayank had received a special fast-bowler’s central contract. But his over-reliance on express pace also resulted in regular injuries, which have restricted his appearances across formats — a mere first-class match as opposed to 18 T20s out of a total of 36 games.
Mixed Performance Against Mumbai Indians
Against a power-hungry Mumbai Indians side, Mayank Yadav had a mixed bag. He started the bowling — just the second time in his T20 career — and picked up his first T20 wicket off a slower ball. But he was expensive at the start, giving away 13 and 15 runs in his second and third overs, respectively.
But Mayank recovered superbly in his last over. He dismissed Hardik Pandya with a cracking reverse ball and then restricted Suryakumar Yadav and Naman Dhir with his immaculately disguised slower balls. He finished strongly, conceding no boundaries during the death overs.
From Raw Pace to Precision: A New Chapter for Mayank Yadav
The slowed rate could be troubling, but may also point towards a change in fortune in Mayank Yadav’s career. Through prioritizing control, movement, and intelligent variations, he could become an improved and lasting fast bowler. Though at the highest level the distinction between mid-140s and high-150s might look impressive, attaining control and subtlety can try to make the difference much less.
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