Mayank Yadav’s Bowling Speed Set to Improve: Zaheer Khan Confident After IPL Return

Published April 28, 2025 | Last Updated April 30, 2025

Mayank Yadav Returns: The Comeback Story

After a prolonged injury layoff, the cricketing world finally witnessed the return of express pacer Mayank Yadav to competitive cricket on Sunday. The Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) speedster, who had previously stunned fans with his exceptional Mayank Yadav’s bowling speed that consistently touched the 150-155 kmph mark, made his comeback in the IPL match against Mumbai Indians (MI).

The right-arm tearaway pacer had been sidelined due to back and toe issues following his India debut in T20 internationals last October. His return has been eagerly anticipated by cricket enthusiasts nationwide, particularly after his earlier IPL performances established him as one of India’s most promising fast bowling talents.

Zaheer Khan’s Assessment of Mayank Yadav’s Bowling Speed

Former India left-arm pacer and current LSG mentor Zaheer Khan expressed complete confidence in Mayank’s future trajectory. “The wait was long and for anyone who is playing after so many months to get back into the game, (it) is always that one hurdle which one needs to cross as a bowler,” Zaheer told the media following LSG’s 54-run defeat to MI.

Zaheer specifically addressed Mayank Yadav’s bowling speed, which was noticeably lower than his previous appearances, hovering around the 140 kmph mark rather than the 150+ speeds fans had grown accustomed to seeing. The experienced mentor was unperturbed by this temporary dip, stating: “I am happy with the way he has bowled. It’s important that he had to get through the game. He stayed on (for) the (full) 20 overs. He has bowled four overs. The execution is only going to get better. The speed is only going to get better as he plays more, that’s the way I am looking at it.”

Performance Analysis: Current Speed vs. Previous Heights

Mayank Yadav’s bowling speed has been the talk of the cricketing world since his IPL debut. In his initial appearances, he consistently clocked speeds of 150-155 kmph, making him one of the fastest bowlers not just in India but globally. His ability to maintain such pace while also exhibiting control made him an instant sensation.

In Sunday’s comeback match, Mayank bowled predominantly in the 140-145 kmph range, which represents a noticeable decrease from his previous standards. However, cricket analysts point out that such a reduction is entirely normal for pacers returning from injury, particularly those dealing with back issues that directly impact the bowling action and speed generation.

The Recovery Process: NCA Collaboration and Cautious Approach

Zaheer Khan detailed the careful process that went into managing Mayank Yadav’s bowling speed recovery and overall rehabilitation. He revealed that LSG maintained constant dialogue with the National Cricket Academy (NCA) regarding Mayank’s progress, ensuring a coordinated approach to his return.

“In terms of his preparation, we’ve had constant dialogue with the NCA. I was updated, the physios were updated (and) the trainers were updated,” Zaheer explained. “There is a plan in place about how he should be approaching, what kind of programs he should be following, and we are just creating that environment for him to just flourish.”

The LSG think tank deliberately avoided rushing Mayank back into competitive cricket, prioritizing long-term development over short-term gains. Even after he rejoined the squad, the management took additional time to create a comfortable environment around him, understanding the unique challenges fast bowlers face in the T20 format.

The Mental Side of Recovery for Express Pacers

Zaheer Khan, drawing from his own extensive experience as a fast bowler, emphasized the psychological challenges that come with returning from injury, particularly for someone who relies on extreme pace. He acknowledged that setbacks can “play on your mind” and affect confidence, especially for young bowlers like Mayank who are still establishing themselves at the highest level.

“You’ve seen with him in the last one, one-and-a-half years, when you’ve been coming in, bowling and then having these kind of setbacks it can play on your mind as well so you’ve got to comfort that side of things as well. With Mayank, we’ve taken that kind of approach,” Zaheer elaborated.

This mental aspect is crucial when discussing Mayank Yadav’s bowling speed recovery. Express pacers often face a psychological barrier when returning from injury—the fear of reinjury can subconsciously cause them to hold back rather than bowling at full tilt. The gradual rebuilding of confidence is as important as the physical rehabilitation process.

LSG’s Strategy with Overseas Batting Lineup

While discussing team composition, Zaheer Khan confirmed that LSG would continue with their established overseas batting trio of Nicholas Pooran, Mitchell Marsh, and Aiden Markram. “The reliance on the top three is something which has been the template of the season for us, so we want it to continue. That’s something which we badly need as a team,” he stated.

The LSG mentor also highlighted the team’s focus on creating a fearless environment: “The freedom of expression is something which we have been talking about. All of us have been making that conscious effort of creating that fearless approach. That is something which as a group we have been trying to achieve.”

This batting strategy indirectly impacts Mayank Yadav’s bowling speed and development, as a strong batting core allows the team to take a more patient approach with their bowling resources, particularly young talents like Mayank who need time to reach their full potential.

Future Prospects: The Path Forward for Mayank Yadav

Looking ahead, Zaheer expressed optimism about Mayank’s trajectory through the remainder of the IPL season. “I am glad that he has got through the game. That one hurdle is crossed, I am hopeful that with the scheduling which we have, there will be enough breaks also for him to recover and then go again.”

The IPL schedule, with its gaps between matches, should provide Mayank the necessary recovery time to gradually build up his Mayank Yadav’s bowling speed without overexertion. Cricket experts believe that by the end of the tournament, we could see Mayank approaching his previous velocity levels, provided he remains injury-free.

Expert Analysis: What Makes Mayank Yadav Special

Cricket analysts point to several factors that make Mayank Yadav stand out among India’s fast-bowling prospects. While Mayank Yadav’s bowling speed is his most obvious attribute, experts note that his natural wrist position, clean action, and ability to hit consistent lengths even at high pace set him apart from other quick bowlers.

Former Indian cricketers have compared his raw potential to the likes of Umran Malik but with potentially better control and sustainability. The combination of extreme pace with the ability to move the ball makes him a rare commodity in Indian cricket, which has traditionally produced more swing and seam bowlers than out-and-out express pacers.

The coming months will be crucial in determining whether Mayank can translate his potential into consistent performances at the international level, with many believing he could become a vital component of India’s bowling attack across all formats if his development continues as projected.

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