Rohit Sharma asked me to start with hard-length balls and then concentrate on accuracy: Akash Madhwal

The 57th game of the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL) 2023 featured a clash between the five-time champions Mumbai Indians and the Hardik Pandya-led Gujarat Titans at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai on Friday, May 12.

Suryakumar Yadav’s brilliant ton helped Mumbai post 218 runs on the board for Gujarat to chase. However, despite Rashid Khan’s explosive knock in the second innings, the defending champions were unable to go all the way and win the game. Apart from the performances of Suryakumar Yadav and Rashid Khan, the spell of Indian pacer Akash Madhwal made a few heads turn as well. 

Bowling four overs in the second innings, Madhwal took three wickets and conceded 31 runs in the process. Dismissing the likes of Shubman Gill, Wriddhiman Saha, and David Miller, Madhwal had quite an impact on the game. After the game, the 29-year-old came forward and revealed skipper Rohit Sharma’s advice to him before his spell.

"I have bowled previously in the dew, so it wasn’t difficult; we have practised for such things. Rohit asked me to start with hard-length balls and then concentrate on accuracy," Madhwal said in the post-match presentation.

We are happy to be in the same team as him: Madhwal on Suryakumar Yadav

Furthermore, Madhwal also reflected on the performance of Suryakumar Yadav. The 32-year-old scored a brilliant 103* runs in 49 deliveries to propel Mumbai to a whopping total of 218 runs in the first innings.

"He always does that in the nets as well. We are happy to be on the same team as him. I am just looking to continue working hard on my skills. I want to work harder and continue doing well in the next few matches," Madhwal said.

After their brilliant win against Gujarat, Mumbai jumped to the third spot on the IPL points table. They currently have 14 points in 12 games, and the Rohit Sharma-led side would look to win their forthcoming games as well to make a stronger case for the playoff qualification of the tournament.