Meet Mayank Yadav: The 156 km/h Vegetarian Cricketer Following Virat Kohli’s Footsteps

Krishna Chandra

Meet Mayank Yadav: The 156 km/h Vegetarian Cricketer Following Virat Kohli’s Footsteps

Mayank Yadav, the sensational fast bowler who has taken the cricketing world by storm, has officially been selected for the Indian national team ahead of the three-match T20 series against Bangladesh commencing on October 6. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has announced a 15-member squad that includes Mayank, known for his astonishing bowling speed of 156.7 kilometers per hour, which he showcased in the Indian Premier League (IPL). This will mark his debut on the international stage, and his journey to this point is both inspiring and remarkable.

Mayank’s Journey into the World of Cricket

Born in Delhi, Mayank Yadav is the son of Prabhu Yadav from Supaul district, Bihar. Prabhu Yadav had dreams of becoming a cricketer but had to abandon his aspirations due to financial difficulties faced by his family. Rather than letting his dreams die, he nurtured them through his son. Mayank’s potential was recognized when he was just four years old. After a visit to a local park where he saw children playing cricket, Prabhu reignited his passion by asking his son if he was interested in pursuing the sport. With a simple yet affirming response of “As per your wish,” a cricketing career was set in motion.

   

His father enrolled him at the Gymkhana Cricket Club, where Mayank’s interest in fast bowling grew. At the age of 16, he transitioned to Sonet Club, a pivotal move in his career where coach Tarak Sinha played an essential role in honing his skills.

Overcoming Challenges in Pursuit of Excellence

Despite his talent, Mayank faced significant hurdles in finding proper training. His father recounted how, at 16, they approached several clubs in Delhi, but each turned them down. However, resilience prevailed; they discovered Sonet Club and that’s when coach Tarak Sinha stepped in. His unforgettable performance during trials astonished everyone present. Sinha was so impressed that he offered to mentor Mayank without charging any coaching fees, a testament to his raw talent.

A Rising Star in Domestic Cricket

Standing tall at 6 feet 1 inch, Mayank made a name for himself in domestic cricket representing Delhi. Known for his formidable bowling speed and fearsome bouncers, he quickly gained a reputation as a bowler that opposing batsmen feared. His prowess made him a standout performer during the Vijay Hazare Trophy, where he caught the attention of IPL talent scout Vijay Dahiya. Recognizing his potential, Dahiya immediately invited Mayank to join the Lucknow Super Giants, paving the way for his IPL debut and now an opportunity to represent Team India.

A Unique Lifestyle Choice

In an interesting twist, Mayank shares a dietary similarity with Team India’s star batsman, Virat Kohli, as both are vegetarians. His father Prabhu disclosed that the family made this lifestyle choice about four years ago, emphasizing a commitment to health and fitness that complements Mayank’s explosive bowling style.

With his remarkable journey from the streets of Delhi to representing India on an international platform, Mayank Yadav serves as an inspiring figure for aspiring cricketers. His story underscores the importance of perseverance, passion, and the influence of supportive mentorship in achieving one’s dreams. As he prepares to make his debut for Team India, cricket enthusiasts are eager to see what this young high-speed bowler will bring to the game.