IPL 2023 Eliminator: Rohit Sharma reveals why he picked Akash Madhwal over Jasprit Bumrah and Jofra Archer

CHENNAI: Mumbai Indians skipper Rohit Sharma had no doubts about Akash Madhwal’s talent during his two years in the set-up and hence is confident that the Uttarakhand lad will do a good job for the team if he is retained. Go Madhwal, an engineer from Uttarakhand, had figures of 5 for 5 in 3.3 overs as Mumbai Indians moved a step closer to the summit clash with an 81-run win over Lucknow Super Giants in the IPL 2023 Eliminator on Wednesday.

“That’s what we have done over the years. People don’t expect us to do what we have done, but we managed it,” Rohit Sharma said at the post-match presentation ceremony.

On Madhwal, the MI skipper said that he had seen his progress with MI for the past two years. Rohit said, “He (Akash) was part of the team last year as a support bowler, and once Jofra (Archer) went and I knew he had the skills and the character which would work for us.”

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A brilliant five-wicket haul, brilliant run-out and @mipletonIt’s heavy # Eliminator Jeet Yoga ft. @surya_14kumar and Akash Madhwal ____ – by @ameyatilak

full interview __ #TATAIPL , #LSGvMI pic.twitter.com/ry8LleIHiq– Indian Premier League (@IPL) May 25, 2023

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 people coming 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 just to make them comfortable in the middle,” the India captain said.

“They (youngsters like Madhwal) are very clear in their roles, what they have to do for the team and that is 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 Krishnappa Gowtham. “As a team, we enjoyed it (fielding). Nice to see everyone’s contribution on the field. Coming to Chennai, we knew that the entire team needed to come to the party. In Wankhede, you need one or two great performances, but here it is completely different.

Jasprit Bumrah bhai has his place, I am trying to play my part: Akash Madhwal

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, did not play competitive leather ball cricket until he was 23 as he was focused on getting his BE degree. He was a tennis ball cricketer and by the time he was 24, Uttarakhand got affiliation from BCCI and entered the competitive cricket scene.

“I was just practicing and waiting for this opportunity. I did my engineering, and played tennis-ball cricket as it was my passion. Engineers have a tendency to learn quickly,” said Akash Madhwal.

In the last league game, he yorked Glenn Phillips and Heinrich Klaasen and on Wednesday he bowled an unplayable ball to Nicholas Pooran. “I just practice, and that’s what we do. I’m proud of myself, but I’ll try to get better.”

He has replaced Jasprit Bumrah for the season but was shy when asked about filling the India pacer’s shoes. Bumrah bhai has his place and I am just trying to play my part. Nicholas Pooran’s wicket was the best. Everyone in the house believes that I am working hard.”