Indian cricket has been witnessing a surge in fast bowling talent, with two names currently standing out: Mayank Yadav and Umran Malik. While both have clocked impressive speeds, their recent career trajectories have diverged sharply. Mayank Yadav, who has bowled at a top speed of 156.7 kmph, is making waves in the cricketing world, whereas Umran Malik, the fastest-ever Indian bowler at 157 kmph, is grappling with a series of injuries.
Mayank Yadav’s Rapid Rise
Mayank Yadav has quickly become a sensation in Indian cricket with his sheer pace and control. Consistently bowling over 150 kmph, the young pacer has turned heads with his performances. The 21-year-old, who played for Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) in the IPL 2024, had a dream start by earning Player of the Match awards in his first two games. Even after a brief injury, he quickly made his way into the national team.
In his T20I debut against Bangladesh, Mayank impressed not just with his pace but also his variety. While he didn’t cross the 150-kmph mark during the match, he displayed a remarkable range—bowling his fastest delivery at 149.9 kmph and his slowest at 106 kmph. This variation and accuracy have caused trouble for batters, making him a rising star in Indian cricket.
Umran Malik’s Struggles with Injuries
Contrasting Mayank’s swift ascent is Umran Malik, who burst onto the scene with his raw pace but has since faced setbacks due to injuries. After making a mark as an international player, Malik has struggled to maintain consistency and fitness. His recurring injuries have kept him away from crucial matches and tournaments.
In IPL 2024, Malik played only one game for Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH), a team he had once been a key part of. With 11 wickets from eight T20Is at an average of 22.09 and an economy rate of 10.48, he currently holds the worst economy rate among Indian bowlers with 10 wickets. A recent hip injury has further delayed his return to form, ruling him out of the initial matches of the Ranji Trophy.
While Umran Malik’s raw talent is evident, his career has been hampered by persistent injuries, leaving Mayank Yadav to steal the spotlight as India’s new pace sensation. Both bowlers have potential to be India’s future fast bowling stars, but their journeys reflect the unpredictability and challenges that come with the life of a pace bowler.