‘Proud of how far he’s come’ – Cricketing fraternity lauds Akash Madhwal for his dazzling display in Eliminator

Akash Madhwal. (Photo Source: BCCI/IPL)

Courtesy of Akash Madhwal’s brilliance on May 24, Mumbai Indians defeated Lucknow Super Giants by 81 runs and moved an inch closer to the all-important final. Notably, the 29-year-old picked up a five-for, conceding only five runs, which put him in an elite list featuring the likes of Anil Kumble and Jasprit Bumrah.

Lucknow batters had no clue on how to tackle him as the Krunal Pandya-led side was bundled out for 101 runs and with that, their road to the finals of IPL 2023 ended in Chepauk.

Meanwhile, Madhwal was adjudged Player of the Match and received a lot of appreciation from former cricketers for his impeccable bowling. Former India international Kumble also lauded the pacer and welcomed him to the 5/5 club.

“Great bowling in a high-pressure game, Akash Madhwal. Welcome to the 5/5 club,” Kumble tweeted,” Kumble tweeted.

Meanwhile, Jasprit Bumrah, RP Singh, Virender Sehwag and Ian Bishop among many other former cricketers hailed the pacer after his match-winning performance. Notably, Madhwal has picked up 13 wickets in seven matches he has played so far in IPL 2023 and it will surely boost his confidence ahead of Qualifier 2 against Gujarat Titans.

I have been waiting for this since 2018: Akash Madhwal

Mumbai Indians signed Akash towards the end of IPL 2022 but the cricketer barely got any opportunity. After winning the Player of the Match award, the 29-year-old mentioned that he has an engineering degree and kept playing tennis-ball cricket out of his passion for the sport.

“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 early! I just practice, and that is what we execute. I’m proud of myself, but I’ll try to be better. Bumrah bhai has his own place, and I’m just trying to play role. Nicholas Pooran was the best wicket. Everyone at home believes I’m working hard,” he said.

Here’s how several cricketers reacted to Madhwal’s magnificent spell in the Eliminator: