Chennai: Akash Madhwal, who played a key role in the easy 81-run victory of Mumbai Indians (LSG vs MI) against Lucknow Supergiants in the Eliminator of the Indian Premier League (IPL 2023), does not consider himself to be an alternative to Jasprit Bumrah. And happy to fulfill the responsibility given by the team. Uttarakhand’s Engineer Madhwal took five wickets for five runs in 3.3 overs on Wednesday night to take Mumbai Indians one step closer to making it to the final.
Madhwal (Akash Madhwal) said after the match, “I am trying my best to fulfill the responsibility given by the team. I am not a substitute for Bumrah but trying my best to do what I can.” The pitch at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai hasn’t helped the pacers much in the current season but Madhwal reveals what worked in his favour. Madhwal said, “Chepauk wicket was good. You must have seen that the ball was not coming to a stop but was coming out fast. I am a swing bowler and try to get wickets by bowling difficult lengths.
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Madhwal said that skipper Rohit Sharma knows what his strong points are and how to use them. “Rohit knows that the yorker is my strong point but during the net sessions and practice matches, he came to know that I can bowl with the new ball as well,” he said.
“So he knew how to use me as per the requirement of the situation,” Madhwal said. Meanwhile, Supergiants pacer Naveen-ul-Haq said he enjoyed the chants of ‘Kohli, Kohli’ at the stadium on Wednesday as it motivated him to do well for his team. Naveen and Royal Challengers Bangalore star batsman Kohli had a heated argument during the league phase of the ongoing IPL. Naveen, who took four for 38 in the Eliminator against Mumbai, said, “I enjoyed it. I like everyone on the field to name him (Virat Kohli) or any other player. It gives me the motivation to do well for my team.”
He said, “I don’t think about external things. I just focus on my cricket and my process. I am not affected by the slogans of the audience or what anyone else says. Naveen said, “As a professional player, you have to live with it. When you don’t do well for your team, the fans will target you. When you do well for your team, these are the people who will appreciate you. It’s part of the game.” (agency)