IPL 2023: Engineer-turned-cricketer Akash Madhwal talks about the art of nailing yorkers, says 'I am not Bumrah's replacement but...'

Right-arm pacer Akash Madhwal delivered one of the most epic performances in Indian Premier League (IPL) playoffs history on May 24 (Wednesday). The 29-year-old stormed into the history books after leading Mumbai Indians (MI) to a dominant victory over Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) in Eliminator. MI's 81-run commanding win was powered by Madhwal's sensational spell of bowling where he finished with outstanding figures of 5/5 in 3.3 overs.

Madhwal received immense praise from fans, teammates and former cricketers after creating history at MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai. After he delivered a match-winning spell, fans started comparing him to injured Jasprit Bumrah and claimed that MI has found an ideal replacement for the injured superstar.

Madhwal, however, quashed all such narratives and stated that he believes in cashing in on the opportunities and making the most of those chances.

"I am trying my best to fulfill the responsibilities given to me by the team. I am not (Jasprit) Bumrah's replacement but I'm trying my best to do what I can, Whatever opportunities come your way, you should grab it and make the most of it," Madhwal said in the post-match press conference.

"I was given clarity of my role with the team. I have to continue the process I was following and had the surety that I would get opportunities next season. That was very clear," he added.

Out of the five wickets Madhwal bagged on Wednesday, two scalps stood out the most because of the kind of deliveries he bowled. First, a nippy delivery that straightened just a little bit to find the outside edge of Nicholas Pooran's bat and then, a lethal yorker aimed at the base of Mohsin Khan's off-stump.

Madhwal spoke about the art of nailing yorkers and how he honed the skill during the days of playing tennis-ball cricket.

"Through the tennis ball, I have only learnt how to bowl yorkers and I use that in my bowling today. There is only one way of evading those deliveries. If the bowling lengths are pitched a bit high or low, it would gift away boundary fours or sixes. Thus, I needed to bowl strong yorkers in tennis cricket and that is what I do today with a proper cricket ball," Madhwal said.