IPL 2023: Don’t think it’s possible to replicate Akash Madhwal’s figures, says Virender Sehwag

Former Indian opener Virender Sehwag believes it won’t be possible to replicate Akash Madhwal’s impressive figures in the IPL. Madhwal returned with brilliant figures of 5-5 in the 3.3 overs he bowled against Lucknow Super Giants in the Eliminator contest at the MA Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai on Wednesday.

Madhwal’s 5-5 are the best bowling figures in the IPL by an uncapped player and also the joint most economical fifer in the IPL history as he joined Anil Kumble in the record books.

The 29-year-old was right on the money from the get-go as he dismissed Prerak Mankad in his first over. In the 10th over of the run-chase, Madhwal turned the match on its head as he accounted for Ayush Badoni and Nicholas Pooran on consecutive deliveries.

Furthermore, he wiped out the tail as he dismissed Ravi Bishnoi and Mohsin Khan. The right-arm pacer bowled a total of 17 dot balls in his fine spell as he breathed down the neck of the opposition batters with his accurate line and length.

“I would give 11/10 marks if I could to Madhwal. The way he set up Badoni and then got him dismissed, was absolutely brilliant. The kind of figures Madhwal has registered, picking up five wickets for just five runs, I don’t think it’s possible for anyone else to replicate it again,” said Sehwag on Cricbuzz.

Madhwal has been ticking the right boxes as he has scalped 13 wickets in seven matches of IPL 2023. Sehwag added the 29-year-old is a thinking bowler and one for the future.

“His skiddy nature has led to Badoni’s wicket as he thought he would pick the back of the length ball but was beaten for pace. He is a thinking bowler and definitely has a future,” Sehwag added.

On the other hand, former Indian spinner Murali Kartik gave credit to Mumbai Indians scouts for finding Akash Madhwal, who doesn’t have a lot of domestic experience.

“Not just this game, he also bowled well in the previous game at the Wankhede. So it’s great that he is stepping up and credit to the scouts who keep on roaming and picked up despite playing just 10 domestic games,” said Karthik.

Mumbai Indians will take on Gujarat Titans in the second qualifier at the Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad on Friday.