Mayank Yadav’s return to action has not gone as planned for the Lucknow Super Giants. The Delhi pacer took the IPL last season by storm, but has been off the boil in IPL 2025. Even in the PBKS vs LSG clash, Mayank failed to hit his higher speeds, with Punjab Kings making merry at the Dharamsala.
Mayank Yadav off the boil in IPL 2025
Mayank Yadav missed the first half of IPL 2025 with a series of injuries. Yadav, much like Umran Malik in 2022, made headlines with his breathtaking pace. Mayank had the likes of Virat Kohli and Co. in only 4 games. The 22-year-old consistently breached the 150kph barrier. Such was the promise, LSG paid a massive Rs 11 crore to retain him.
That decision, however, has failed to pay dividends. In both his IPL 2025 games, Mayank Yadav has failed to hit those high speeds. The LSG pacer has bowled in the mid-130s, occasionally bowling in the low 140s. Not once has Mayank bowled at speeds higher than 150, and has hence struggled in IPL 2025.
In the PBKS vs LSG clash in Dharamsala, the 22-year-old was hit to all parts of the ground by the Punjab Kings pacer. Josh Inglis smashed 3 consecutive sixes off the LSG pacer in his first over. Prabhsimran also took him on as Mayank’s spell in the powerplay read 0/36 in 2 overs. He did finish his spell, conceding 60 and going wicketless in a disappointing outing.
Another Umran Malik case?
While bowlers are prone to having off days in T20S, Mayank’s dip in pace will be a cause of concern. Yadav was fast-tracked to the Indian set-up due to his ability to bowl quickly. However, with a dip in pace, he is not the same gun bowler he was last year.
Mayank’s case bears a lot of resemblance to Umran Malik’s fortunes since breaking through in the IPL. The J&K pacer bowled consistently in the 155kph mark for the Sunrisers Hyderabad, picking 22 wickets in the IPL. He was soon called up to the Indian team, where he looked undercooked. A series of injuries and loss of form later, Malik has found himself on the fringes. Umran is not part of IPL 2025 due to an injury.
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