Akash Madhwal put his hand up when it mattered the most for Mumbai Indians. In the IPL Eliminator played in Chennai on Wednesday, MI rode on the brilliance of Akash Madhwal and his five-wicket haul to demolish Lucknow Super Giants with an 81-run victory, and skipper Rohit Sharma was in awe of the right-arm pacer.
Rohit had no doubt about unheralded Madhwal's talent during his two years in the set-up and hence he was confident that the Uttarakhand player would do the job for the team if he is persisted with.
Madhwal, an engineer from Uttarakhand, had figures of 5/5 in 3.3 overs as Mumbai Indians inched one step closer to summit clash with an 81-run victory over Lucknow Super Giants in the IPL Eliminator on Wednesday.
"That is what we have done over the years. People don't expect us to do what we have done, but we managed to," a pleased Rohit said at the post-match presentation ceremony.
On Madhwal, the MI skipper said that he had watched his progress with MI for the last two years.
"He (Akash) was the part of the team last year as a support bowler, and once Jofra (Archer) was gone, I knew he had skills and the character to do the job for us," Rohit said.
As a successful IPL captain, Rohit knows the art of man management better than most of his contemporaries.
"Over the years, we have seen many guys coming in from Mumbai Indians and playing for India. It is important to make them (youngsters) feel special and make them feel part of the team, my job is to just make them comfortable in the middle," the India captain said.
"They (youngsters like Madhwal) are very clear in their roles about what they need to do for the team and that's what you want."
There were three run-outs during the LSG run chase and the skipper himself was involved in two of them, including a direct hit to get rid of Krishanppa Gowtham.
"As a team, we enjoyed it (fielding). Good to see everyone contributing on the field. Coming to Chennai, we knew whole team needs to come to the party. At Wankhede, you need one or two brilliant performances, but here it is a different ball game."
'Engineers have a tendency to learn quickly'
A humble Akash Madhwal said that he has a tendency to learn things quickly because of his background as an engineer. Madhwal, who will turn 30 this November, didn't play competitive leather ball cricket till the age of 23 as he was focussing on getting his BE degree. He was a tennis ball cricketer and by the time he turned 24, Uttarakhand got BCCI affiliation and he entered the competitive cricket scenario.
1/10:Akash Madhwal: An engineer who used to play tennis-ball cricket
PTI
2/10:Akash Madhwal
<p>An engineer by profession, Akash Madhwal learned the game while playing tennis-ball cricket in Uttarakhand and is now the star of Mumbai Indians' bowling arsenal. </p>PTI
3/10:5/5 in 3.3 overs
<p>Madhwal took 5/5 in 3.3 overs to lead Mumbai Indians to a crushing 81-run win in the Eliminator and knock out Lucknow Super Giants on Wednesday. </p>ANI
4/10:Unbelievable figures
<p>Madhwal not only registered the best bowling figures in the IPL by an uncapped player, but also the best bowling figures in IPL playoffs. </p>IANS
5/10:Grabbing the chance
<p>With Jasprit Bumrah and Jofra Archer both out injured, the previously unheralded Madhwal has grabbed his chance with both hands. </p>IANS
6/10:Captain calling
<p>Madhwal joined Mumbai last year as an injury replacement but remained confined to playing practice matches, before skipper Rohit Sharma introduced him to the big stage this season. </p>AP
7/10:Civil engineer
<p>Madhwal was working as a civil engineer when he quit a steady job and joined his state team, before the IPL came calling. </p>AP
8/10:4/37 vs SRH
<p>Madhwal's feat on Wednesday came on the back of 4/37 against Sunrisers Hyderabad -- eclipsed only by Cameron Green's match-winning 100 not out. </p>ANI
9/10:Accuracy and grit
<p>Standing at five feet, nine inches, Madhwal is not your usual tall and burly fast bowler, but his accuracy and grit more than makes up for the lack of size. </p>PTI
10/10:RCB loss, MI gain
<p>Madhwal played as a net bowler for Royal Challengers Bangalore in 2019 before joining Mumbai in the same capacity. </p>APSo where have you been? he was asked.
"I was just practising, and waiting for this opportunity. I did my engineering, and played tennis-ball cricket since it was my passion. Engineers have a tendency to learn quickly," he said with a sheepish grin.
In the last league game, he yorked Glenn Phillips and Heinrich Klaasen and on Wednesday, he bowled an unplayable delivery to Nicholas Pooran.
"I just practice, and that is what we execute. I'm proud of myself, but I'll try to be better."
He has been Jasprit Bunrah's replacement for the season but he was embarrassed when asked about filling India pace spearhead's shoes.
"Bumrah bhai has his own place, and I'm just trying to play my role. Nicholas Pooran was the best wicket. Everyone at home believes I'm working hard."
(With agency inputs)
