IPL 2023: Akash Madhwal deserves full credit for leading MI to Qualifier 2, says Mohammad Kaif

By India Today Sports Desk: Former India batsman Mohammad Kaif has praised Mumbai Indians pacemaker Akash Madhwal, saying he deserves full credit for leading his side to the second Qualifier. Madhwal chose a five wicket haul as MI beat Lucknow Super Giants by 81 runs in Chennai.

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Speaking to Star Sports, Kaif said that Madhwal’s bowling style resembles that of Gujarat Titans pacemaker Mohammed Shami, adding that he deserves full credit for his display against LSG. Madhwal picked up five wickets and gave away just five runs in his four overs in the Eliminator.

“Akash Madhwal throws a hard length. The bowling style of him looks like Shami and he takes the zipper out of the surface. What a player he has been lately for Mumbai Indians. He looks like a mature bowler in every game he’s played,” Kaif said.

Meanwhile, India’s former all-rounder Irfan Pathan said he had never seen an uncapped player dominate in such a pressured situation in the IPL. Madhwal has picked up 13 wickets in IPL 2023 and has guided MI to the second Qualifiers.

“We have never seen an uncapped player dominate in a high pressure game. Akash Madhwal has taken 9 wickets in the last two games. He deserves full credit for leading MI to the Qualifier,” Pathan said.

Former India coach and all-rounder Ravi Shastri said tennis ball cricketers are highly intelligent and Madhwal has shown that skill on the big stage. MI finished fourth in the IPL 2023 league stage to set up a clash against third-placed LSG in the Eliminator.

“Madhwal applied himself in this game brilliantly, he bowled beautifully and bowled hard distance on a slow Chepauk court. He also has a good cut. Tennis ball cricketers are very street smart and Madhwal has shown that big stage ability. He is a young bowler and a quick learner. It was another great effort from this young talent,” Shastri said.

Following their win over LSG, MI will turn their focus to the defending champions Gujarat Titans, with the two sides set to meet at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad in IPL 2023 Qualifier 2 on May 26.