Rohit Sharma gave the duties of leading the Mumbai Indians' (MI) bowling unit to young pacer Akash Madhwal during their Indian Premier League (IPL) 2023 eliminator against the Lucknow Super Kings (LSG) after his performance in the final league game helped MI to the playoffs.
The pacer from Uttarakhand was at his best, taking a brilliant fifer as LSG were dismissed for just 101 runs while chasing a massive score of 183 for the win. His progress was highly appreciated by his Uttarakhand state coach, who also credited his MI skipper Rohit for keeping faith in the bowler, who played with a tennis ball till 2019.
Speaking to IndiaToday.in, Manish Kumar Jha revealed his conversations with Akash Madhwal, who said that he was very lucky to receive so much backing from MI captain Rohit Sharma. "I mean, it's amazing. I was talking to him a few days back. He told me that in my performance 60-70 per cent credit should go to Rohit Sharma," Manish said.
"He told me 'Rohit bhaiya gave me so much confidence and backs me so much that when I get onto the ground, I don't feel pressure'. He said 'bhaiya boltha hai, tu jaa aur bindaas apne aapko express kar'. Whatever he is communicating, I am executing that.
"60 per cent of my pressure-soaking is done by Rohit Sharma. That word coming from an Indian captain is a big thing. He is backing him so much. Rohit is playing a very important role in his career. He is nurturing one of the gems of the country," Manish added.
Team India debut incoming for Akash Madhwal?
Akash was roped in as a replacement for MI in IPL 2022. He has played seven matches in IPL 2023 but attracted a lot of attention having picked up 13 wickets in these games. This includes a brilliant five wickets in the eliminator, conceding just five runs as MI defended 182 against Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) by a comfortable margin.
"Definitely, he should play. It's too early to say now. But the way he is responding at the highest level that's what we are lacking at the top level. That's what we are looking for in the death overs. The selectors should think about him," he added.
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