Mumbai Indians captain Rohit Sharma did not doubt Akash Madhwal’s skill during his two years in the set-up and hence he was confident that the Uttarakhand player will do the job for the team if he is continued with while Madhwal, an engineer from Uttarakhand, had figures of 5 for 5 in 3.3 overs.
Mumbai Indians captain Rohit Sharma did not doubt Akash Madhwal’s skill during his two years in the set-up and hence he was confident that the Uttarakhand player will do the job for the team if he is continued with.
Madhwal, an engineer from Uttarakhand, had figures of 5 for 5 in 3.3 overs. With an 81-run victory over Lucknow Super Giants in the IPL Eliminator on Wednesday, Mumbai Indians moved one step closer to the summit clash.
“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 part of the team last year as a support bowler, and once Jofra (Archer) was gone and 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.”
During the LSG run chase, there were three run-outs, and the captain took part in two of them, including a direct hit to remove Krishanppa Gowtham.
“As a team, we enjoyed it (fielding). Good to see everyone contributing on the field. Coming to Chennai, we knew the 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.”
Bumrah Bhai has its place; I am trying to play my role. A humble Akash Madhwal said that he tends to learn things quickly because of his background as an engineer.
Madhwal, who turns 30 in November, didn’t begin playing professional leather ball cricket until he was 23 years old as he was focusing on earning his BE degree. He was a tennis ball cricket player and when he turned 24, Uttarakhand received BCCI membership, and he began playing competitive cricket.
So where have you been? He was asked.
“I was just practicing, and waiting for this opportunity. I did my engineering and played tennis-ball cricket since it was my passion. Engineers tend 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 Nicholas Pooran an unplayable delivery.
“I just practice, and that is what we execute. I’m proud of myself, but I’ll try to be better.”
When asked about taking over for India’s speed leader Jasprit Bumrah this season, he appeared embarrassed.
“Bumrah Bhai has his place and I’m just trying to play my role. Nicholas Pooran was the best wicket. Everyone at home believes I’m working hard.”