Akash Madwal

Akash Madwal is a name that has been making waves in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2023. The 27-year-old fast bowler from Uttarakhand has been one of the most impressive performers for Mumbai Indians (MI), the five-time champions and the defending title holders.

Madwal, who has an engineering degree from Dehradun, made his IPL debut in 2022 as a replacement for the injured Suryakumar Yadav. He played only two matches in his maiden season and picked up three wickets. However, he caught the attention of the MI management and was retained for the 2023 season.

Madwal's breakthrough moment came in the Eliminator against Lucknow Super Giants (LSG), when he bowled a dream spell of 5 for 5 in 3.3 overs to help MI win by 81 runs and enter the second Qualifier. His figures were the best ever by a bowler in IPL history, surpassing Anil Kumble's 5 for 5 - for Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) in 2009.

Madwal's five-wicket haul included the scalps of Nicholas Pooran, Deepak Hooda, Naveen-ul-Haq, Yash Thakur, and Ravi Bishnoi. He also became the first bowler to take four wickets in an over in IPL history, when he dismissed Pooran, Hooda, Naveen, and Thakur in the 17th over of LSG's innings.

Madwal's performance earned him praise from his captain Rohit Sharma, who said that he had shown great character and skills to deliver under pressure. He also received accolades from former cricketers and experts, who hailed him as a future star for India.

Madwal's journey to IPL stardom was not an easy one. He started playing cricket with a tennis ball at the age of 10 and had never touched a red ball until he was 23. He used to play tennis ball cricket tournaments in Uttarakhand and Delhi to earn some money while pursuing his engineering degree.

He got his first break when he was spotted by former India opener Wasim Jaffer, who was then the coach of Uttarakhand. Jaffer invited him to join the state team's camp and gave him a red ball to bowl with. Madwal impressed Jaffer with his pace and swing and soon made his debut for Uttarakhand in the Ranji Trophy in 2019-20.

Madwal also has a connection with India's wicketkeeper-batsman Rishabh Pant, who hails from the same region in Uttarakhand. Madwal trained under Avtar Singh, who was Pant's first coach before he moved to Delhi. Madwal considers Pant as his inspiration and friend.

Madwal's rise in domestic cricket caught the eye of MI scouts, who picked him as a replacement player in 2022. He got his chance to play when Suryakumar Yadav was ruled out due to injury. He made an impact in his second match when he took two wickets against RCB and had a heated exchange with Virat Kohli.

Madwal's aggression and confidence impressed MI coach Mahela Jayawardene, who backed him to play more matches in 2023. Madwal repaid his faith by bowling consistently well throughout the season and emerging as one of MI's key bowlers.

Madwal has so far taken 15 wickets in nine matches at an average of 14.33 and an economy rate of 7.16 in IPL 2023. He is currently third on the list of highest wicket-takers behind Harshal Patel (24) and Avesh Khan (18). He is also one of the contenders for the Purple Cap award for the most wickets in the tournament.

Madwal will be hoping to continue his good form and help MI win their sixth IPL title this year. He will also be eyeing a place in the Indian team for the upcoming T20 World Cup later this year. Madwal has shown that he has the talent and temperament to succeed at the highest level and become a star for India.