India has always been on the lookout for its next fast-bowling star, and two exciting names are creating buzz right now: Mayank Yadav and Umran Malik. Both bowlers have burst onto the scene with their fiery pace, but each brings a different skill set to the table. While Umran Malik has already made his mark with lightning-fast deliveries, Mayank Yadav is seen as the new face of Indian pace bowling. Let’s take a closer look at their journey, strengths, and how they stack up against each other.
Mayank Yadav vs Umran Malik: Speed and Age Comparison
Umran Malik: The 24-year-old speedster from Jammu and Kashmir became a household name after his performances in the IPL 2022, where he regularly clocked over 150 km/hr. His pace sent shockwaves through the cricketing world, especially when he hit 156 km/hr during an IPL match. Umran’s raw speed earned him a call-up to the Indian team, making him one of the fastest bowlers India has ever produced.
Mayank Yadav: On the other hand, Mayank Yadav, hailing from New Delhi, is slightly younger at 22. In IPL 2024, he made headlines by recording a delivery of 156.7 km/hr. He made his T20 international debut against Bangladesh, where he showcased his skills by bowling consistently at speeds close to 150 km/hr. While Mayank is relatively new, his potential is immense, and he’s quickly establishing himself as a rising star in Indian cricket.
Strengths and Weaknesses
Umran Malik: Umran’s biggest weapon is his raw pace, which can trouble even the best of batsmen. His ability to consistently hit the 150 km/hr mark is a rare skill. However, his major weakness is his lack of control. Umran often struggles with line and length, making him an expensive bowler at times. His pace can backfire if not paired with accuracy. Additionally, fitness concerns have affected his consistency and kept him out of the team in recent months.
Mayank Yadav: Mayank brings more than just speed to the table. Apart from his pace, he has shown the ability to swing and seam the ball, adding a layer of unpredictability to his deliveries. This makes him a more well-rounded bowler compared to Umran. However, like many fast bowlers, Mayank has also faced injury problems. A hamstring injury kept him out of the IPL for a season, but he made a strong comeback in 2024. His focus on variation and control could give him the edge in international cricket.
Performance in Debut Matches
Umran Malik’s Debut: Umran made his T20 international debut against Ireland in 2022. While there were high expectations from the young speedster, his first match didn’t go as planned. He bowled just one over, conceding 12 runs without taking any wickets. Though he showed promise, his control was lacking, which has been a recurring issue in his international outings. After playing 10 ODIs and eight T20s, Umran has been out of the Indian squad since July 2023.
Mayank Yadav’s Debut: Mayank Yadav made his T20 debut for India against Bangladesh in Gwalior in 2024. Unlike Umran, Mayank had a dream start. He bowled a maiden over and took one wicket while conceding just one run in four overs. His debut performance has only added to the excitement surrounding him, and he is being viewed as a reliable option for India’s future pace attack.
What the Future Holds
Both Mayank Yadav and Umran Malik have shown flashes of brilliance, but they are at different stages in their careers. Umran Malik, with his extreme pace, has the potential to be a game-changer for India, but his journey depends on improving his control and staying fit. Mayank Yadav, meanwhile, seems more well-rounded and has impressed with both his speed and skill. If he can stay injury-free, he could become a permanent fixture in the Indian team.
In this battle of speedsters, Mayank Yadav might hold a slight edge due to his control and versatility. But Umran Malik’s raw pace remains a valuable asset.
