IPL 2023: Tennis ball cricket behind Akash Madhwal’s street smartness? Ravi Shastri explains

The five-time IPL champions ticked-off all the boxes in a highly-anticipated contest to set up a clash with defending champions Gujarat Titans at the Narendra Mod Stadium in Ahmedabad on Friday, May 26.

After their batters chipped in with valuable contribution to guide MI to an above-par 181-8 on spin-friendly Chepauk track, uncapped India pacer Akash Madhwal ran-riot through LSG batters and return with best figures of 5-5.

Former India cricketer Irfan Pathan lavished praise upon the Uttarakhand seamer for putting up such a show in a high-stakes encounter.

Speaking on Start Sports’ Cricket Live, Irfan Pathan said, “We have never seen an uncapped player dominate in a high-pressure game. Akash Madhwal has picked up 9 wickets in the last two games. He deserves all the credit for taking MI to the Qualifier.”

Madhwal, who polished his bowling skills with tennis-ball cricket, garnered praise from former India cricketer Ravi Shastri for bowling hard length and being a street smart cricketer in the big game.

Speaking on Star Sports’ Cricket Live, Ravi Shastri said, “Madhwal applied himself in this game brilliantly, he bowled beautifully and bowled the hard length on a slow Chepauk track. He also has a good cutter.

“Tennis ball cricketers are very street smart and Madhwal has shown that skill on the big stage. He’s a young bowler and a quick learner. It was another superb effort from this young talent.”

Former India cricketer Mohammed Kaif lauded the 29-year-old right-arm quick for his mastery over his craft and control over the cricket ball.

Speaking on Star Sports’ Cricket Live, Md Kaif said, “Akash Madhwal bowls hard length. His bowling style resembles Mohd Shami and gets the zip off the surface. What a player he has been for Mumbai Indians lately. He’s looked like a matured bowler with every game he’s played.”