'There was fear of his bowling' - Elder brother reveals Akash Madhwal is banned from local tournaments

Mumbai Indians have found another young talent in IPL 2023 as seamer Akash Madhwal has impressed the cricketing fraternity with his consistent performances in the season so far. The 29-year-old etched his name in the record books as he registered the best bowling figures by an uncapped bowler in the history of IPL, picking up 5/5 in Eliminator vs Lucknow Super Giants.

Courtesy of his breathtaking spell, MI won the match by 81 runs and entered the Qualifier 2 of the tournament. Following his sensational performance, Akash’s brother Ashish praised MI captain Rohit Sharma for showing faith in youngsters and backing them.

"The thing with Rohit bhai is that he gives players chances. He trusts his players and backs them. A new player is always scared for his position in the team. And Rohit has taken away that scare and Akash is delivering now. Rohit Sharma takes 50 percent of his tensions. Just look at the bond that they share (points to TV)," Ashish was quoted as saying by IndiaToday.

Further talking about the early playing days of Akash, his brother revealed that he was banned from playing in local tournaments as people feared his bowling. "Nobody let him play here. There was a lot of fear of his bowling. So, he was banned from the local tournaments. Darr ka mahoul tha (there was fear all around). Akash used to go outside of Roorkee and play."

Akash made his IPL debut in Match 46 of the ongoing season against Punjab Kings, however, he did not have a great outing as he gave away 37 runs in his three-over spell. He picked up his first wicket of the tournament in his second game as he dismissed CSK opener Devon Conway. 

The Roorke-born seamer has bowled three memorable spells so far in the tournament, picking 3/31 against Gujarat Titans, 4/37 against Sunrisers Hyderabad and a record 5/5 against LSG.

Akash is the third-highest wicket-taker of the season for MI

In the seven matches so far, Madhwal has picked 13 wickets at an average of 12.84 and an economy of 7.76. The 29-year-old is the third-highest wicket-taker for MI this season, behind Jason Behrendorff (14 wickets) and Piyush Chawla (21 wickets).

Akash’s brilliant show with the ball has come at a great time for Mumbai Indians who have a depleted bowling attack this season due to injuries to Jasprit Bumrah, Jofra Archer and Jhye Richardson. The 29-year-old has taken up the responsibility in the absence of big names and will be eager to take his team to the finals with another splendid show in Qualifier 2.