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Akash Madhwal ‘s journey from the serene town of Roorkee in Uttarakhand to the dazzling lights of the Indian Premier League (IPL) is a testament to passion, perseverance, and raw talent. Born on November 25, 1993, Madhwal transitioned from a career in civil engineering to become one of India’s promising fast bowlers.
Early Life and Education
Hailing from Dungra village in the Almora district, Madhwal’s family settled in Roorkee due to his father’s service in the Military Engineering Services (MES) wing of the Indian Army. He completed his primary and secondary education at Roorkee Public Senior Secondary School and later pursued a degree in civil engineering from the College of Engineering Roorkee, graduating in 2016.
Transition to Cricket
Despite his engineering background, Madhwal’s passion for cricket remained undeterred. He honed his skills playing tennis-ball cricket, mastering the art of delivering pinpoint yorkers—a skill that would later become his trademark. His talent caught the attention of the Uttarakhand Cricket Association, leading to his selection in state-level trials. Under the mentorship of former Indian cricketer Wasim Jaffer and coach Manish Jha, Madhwal transitioned to red-ball cricket, refining his technique and discipline.
Domestic Career
Madhwal made his T20 debut for Uttarakhand on November 8, 2019, in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy against Karnataka. He debuted in first-class cricket on December 25, 2019, against Odisha in the Ranji Trophy, and in List A cricket on February 21, 2021, against Meghalaya in the Vijay Hazare Trophy. His consistent performances across formats solidified his position as a key player for Uttarakhand.
Akash Madhwal – IPL Breakthrough with Mumbai Indians
Madhwal’s IPL journey began as a net bowler for Royal Challengers Bangalore in 2021. He later joined Mumbai Indians (MI) as a net bowler in 2022 and was drafted into the main squad due to an injury to Suryakumar Yadav. Although he didn’t play in the 2022 season, MI recognized his potential and retained him for the 2023 season.
In IPL 2023, Madhwal made his debut against Punjab Kings. While his initial performance was modest, he quickly established himself as MI’s go-to bowler, especially in the absence of star pacers like Jasprit Bumrah and Jofra Archer. His ability to deliver accurate yorkers and maintain composure under pressure drew comparisons to Bumrah.
Akash Madhwal – Record-Breaking Performance
Madhwal’s defining moment came during the IPL 2023 Eliminator against Lucknow Super Giants. He delivered a sensational spell, taking 5 wickets for just 5 runs in 3.3 overs. This performance not only earned him the Player of the Match award but also set a record for the best bowling figures by an uncapped player in IPL history. His economy rate of 1.43 in that match is among the most economical five-wicket hauls in the league.
Move to Rajasthan Royals
Ahead of the IPL 2025 season, Madhwal was acquired by Rajasthan Royals for INR 1.2 crore. His inclusion aimed to bolster the team’s pace attack, bringing in his expertise in delivering yorkers and handling high-pressure situations.
Playing Style and Strengths
Madhwal is known for his right-arm medium-fast bowling, consistently clocking speeds between 130-135 kmph. His skiddy action and ability to bowl accurate yorkers make him a formidable bowler in the death overs. His background in tennis-ball cricket has contributed to his unique bowling style, allowing him to adapt quickly to different match situations.
Akash Madhwal Career Statistics (as of May 02, 2025)
T20 Matches: 46
Wickets: 54
Bowling Average: 24.61
Best Bowling Figures: 5/5
Five-wicket Hauls: 1
First-Class Matches: 14
Wickets: 16
Bowling Average: 50.43
List A Matches: 22
Wickets: 25
Bowling Average: 33.88
A Madhwal Personal Life
Madhwal shares a close bond with Indian wicketkeeper-batsman Rishabh Pant, as both hail from the same region in Uttarakhand. Their friendship and shared experiences have been a source of motivation and support throughout their respective careers.
Akash Madhwal’s deep respect for Rohit Sharma
In a memorable moment during the IPL 2024 season, Akash Madhwal’s deep respect for Rohit Sharma was evident when he folded his hands in gratitude towards the former Mumbai Indians captain after a standout performance. Following his match-winning spell against the Rajasthan Royals, where he took three crucial wickets, Madhwal dedicated his Player of the Match award to Sharma, stating, “Thank you so much for this opportunity. And thank you, Rohit. He has supported me a lot. This one goes to him” . This gesture underscored the strong bond between the two, highlighting Sharma’s significant influence on Madhwal’s development as a cricketer. The folded hands were not just a sign of respect but also a heartfelt acknowledgment of the mentorship and guidance provided by Sharma throughout Madhwal’s journey in the IPL.
Conclusion
Akash Madhwal’s ascent from a civil engineer to an IPL sensation underscores the importance of dedication and seizing opportunities. His journey serves as an inspiration to aspiring cricketers, demonstrating that with hard work and perseverance, dreams can indeed become reality.
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