IPL 2025: Mayank Yadav’s pace drops on comeback, relies more on variations — A closer look at his outing against Mumbai.
There was a lot of excitement and expectation around Mayank Yadav, who was retained by the franchise for a whopping 11 crores INR despite missing the majority of the season last year. He made his comeback for Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) against Mumbai Indians (MI) at the Wankhede Stadium.
After missing more than six months of competitive cricket due to a back injury, Mayank, who sustained an injury in the 3rd T20I between India and Bangladesh at home, finally returned to the field. But the much-anticipated comeback turned out to be more about cautious steps than fiery thunderbolts.
Respectable figures yet spark missing
Bowling figures of 2 for 40 in four overs might look respectable on paper, especially in a high-scoring game where the opposition posted 215 on the board, but for those who have witnessed Mayank’s raw pace and aggression in IPL 2024, it was clear that something was missing.
The tearaway quick, who once clocked speeds above 150 kmph consistently — with a personal best of 156.7 kmph — looked much slower. His fastest delivery against MI was around 142.7 kmph, which used to be his slower pace previously.
Read More: IPL 2025, MI vs LSG, Highlights: Fifties from Rickelton, Surya & bowlers power Mumbai to 2nd place
Change in pace
Mayank’s success in his first stint with LSG last year was built on sheer pace and intimidation. In four matches last season, he had picked up seven wickets with an impressive average of 12.14 and a stellar economy rate of 6.98.
His performances even earned him an India T20I cap and a special fast bowler’s central contract from the BCCI. However, injuries have always been a challenge for him, limiting his appearances mostly to T20s.
Against MI, Mayank’s approach was visibly different. Rather than relying on pure speed, he leaned heavily on slower balls — delivering a career-high eight slower balls in one T20 match.
His two wickets, those of Rohit Sharma and Hardik Pandya, both came off cleverly disguised slower deliveries rather than pacey bouncers or toe-crushing yorkers. Rohit guided a 120 kmph delivery to short third man, while Hardik was bowled through the gate by a 134.2 kmph ball that slightly reversed.
Read More: Sonnet Express from Delhi: The story of Mayank Yadav
CASTLED!💥#MayankYadav's pace proves too good for the #MI captain as he walked back before the death overs!
— Star Sports (@StarSportsIndia) April 27, 2025
Watch the LIVE action in BHOJPURI! 🔊#IPLonJioStar 👉 #MIvLSG | LIVE NOW JioHotstar! pic.twitter.com/L1xlQ4krFL
Mayank Yadav started with promise but was expensive in the middle overs, conceding 13 runs in his second over and 15 in his third. However, he made a strong comeback in his final over, removing Hardik and tying down Suryakumar Yadav and Naman Dhir with his variations.
While the pace wasn’t what fans expected, Mayank’s game awareness and skillful use of variations showed growth and maturity. LSG’s mentor, Zaheer Khan, emphasised that the focus was on getting Mayank through the game without any physical setbacks.
“The execution is going to get better, the speeds are going to get better as he plays more,” Zaheer said, expressing satisfaction over Mayank’s successful return to the field.
Clearly, LSG are playing it safe, easing Mayank back into competitive cricket. If he can stay fit and slowly regain his top speeds, he could once again become a potent weapon for his team.
For now, though, Mayank’s comeback was less about high speed and more about smart bowling and surviving the first big hurdle after a long injury layoff.
The fire might not have roared yet, but the embers are still alive. Patience could be the key for Mayank Yadav — and for all those waiting to see his thunderbolts again.
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