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Making his debut for Lucknow Super Giants, Mayank stole the limelight with his fiery pace, sending seasoned batters packing and bagging the Man of the Match award as well. It was a debut to remember for the 21-year-old speedster.
Mayank, who had been part of LSG for the past few years, was in his room the day before the clash against Punjab Kings when he heard a knock on his door.Opening it, he found his captain KL Rahul standing there, ready to deliver the news he had been eagerly anticipating: “Mayank, get ready! You’re making your debut tomorrow.”Having awaited this moment for so long, Mayank was filled with anticipation as the day finally arrived.
The pace prodigy, who also bowled the fastest delivery of the IPL 2024 at 155.8 kmph, dismissed Bairstow for 42 with a delivery clocked at 143 kmph.
Apart from claiming Bairstow’s wicket, Mayank’s sheer pace unsettled Prabhsimran Singh and Jitesh Sharma, propelling LSG to a 21-run victory at the packed Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ekana Cricket Stadium in Lucknow.
TimesofIndia.com caught up with Mayank for an exclusive interview and spoke about his art of generating pace, idol Dale Steyn, dismissing Bairstow, Ishan Sharma’s support, and much more…
You bowled thunder-bolts and bagged Man of the Match in your maiden IPL match…
I am really happy with my performance. My captain KL bhai came and told me that I would be playing. I was so happy. I just kept calm and decided to give my best and put in whatever I had learned so far. I was associated with LSG for the last three years. I used to prepare with the team. In the first year, I didn’t get a chance. In the second year, I got injured. This is my third year with the team and I have got the opportunity.
What was the support like from captain KL Rahul?
KL bhaiya told me just one thing and he keeps on saying that the more you keep things simple, the better it is for you. I follow his advice and it actually works. He said that my plus point and major weapon is pace and I need to keep backing that and work on it. Since pace is my strength, he said don’t think much if you are getting hammered or leaking runs, just keep backing your pace which is your strength. When he came to my room he said there would be pressure as it is your first match, so don’t think on that part, just go and bowl the way you have been.
How do you generate pace?
It is natural in me. I polished my bowling in the last few years but I can generate pace with ease. I don’t have to work much to generate pace.
You are a product of Sonnet Cricket Club which has produced stars like Ashish Nehra, Shikhar Dhawan, Rishabh Pant, Anjum Chopra, Raman Lamba, and many more…
Tarak Sinha sir has played a big role in my career. I was 14 when I went to Sonnett in the summer camp. Tarak sir told me to go and bowl. Devender sir was there too. When Tarak sir saw my bowling, he came and said ‘kal se practice kar le yaha pe tu’. After a week, Tarak sir just sat behind the nets where I was bowling. He was keeping a close watch on me. He was impressed with my pace. I was the fastest in that age group. He gave me a couple of matches against some big teams. I performed really well there. Tarak sir then used to give me a call for almost every match. He has guided me a lot.
Who is your inspiration and why?
I take inspiration from Dale Steyn. I just love the way he shows his aggression from his bowling. He can intimidate any batsman with his pace. Steyn is my idol. I never met him. I really want to meet him someday. That day will be like a dream come true for me. I watch Steyn’s bowling videos and his best spells and learn from those.
Do you want to become the world’s fastest bowler?
I never wanted to become the world’s fastest bowler. I never dreamt of that. I don’t want to become the world’s fastest bowler. I just want to be the world’s best bowler. I just want to concede fewer runs and remain consistent with my performance. Pace is a plus point for me. There are other things like line, length, and where to hit the ball. Pace just back those areas.
You are close to senior India pacer Ishant Sharma too…
Ishant bhaiya has helped me a lot. We both are from the same state and the same team. He has been so kind and helpful to me. For me, he is just a call away for any sort of help. Ishant bhaiya has given me a lot of tips regarding how to remain fit, how to remain fresh physically and mentally during a season. He has helped me a lot, especially in the last three years.
What was the strategy vs Punjab Kings?
The strategy was to exploit the longer side of the field. The leg side presented a sizable target from my bowling position. I opted not to bowl towards the off side, assuming that any room given would result in the batsman easily dispatching the ball for a boundary. I aimed to bowl short and target the batsman’s body. Both Bairstow and Jitesh attempted to make room and play their shots, but my strategy proved effective against them.
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