Skip to content
Search AI Powered

Latest Stories

Akash Madhwal: Tennis-ball cricketer who entered IPL record books

He joined Mumbai last year as an injury replacement

Akash Madhwal: Tennis-ball cricketer who entered IPL record books

Akash Madhwal was working as an engineer and playing tennis-ball cricket just a few years ago, now he is in the Indian Premier League (IPL) record books.

The 29-year-old fast bowler returned stunning figures of 5-5 in the playoffs to lead five-time champions Mumbai Indians to victory over Lucknow Super Giants on Wednesday (24).


Mumbai will face Gujarat Titans on Friday (26) for a place in Sunday's (28) final against Chennai Super Kings.

With Jasprit Bumrah and Jofra Archer both out injured, the previously unheralded Madhwal has grabbed his chance to shine.

He joined Mumbai last year as an injury replacement but remained confined to playing practice matches, before skipper Rohit Sharma introduced him to the big stage this season.

"The team has given me the responsibility so I am trying to do it," Madhwal told reporters after his man-of-the-match performance.

"It's not that I can take his (Bumrah's) place, but whatever I can do in my capacity, I am doing."

Madhwal's route into IPL folklore -- the first to take a five-wicket haul in the playoffs -- came by way of an unusual path.

He was working as a civil engineer when he quit a steady job and joined his state team, before the IPL came calling.

"Cricket is my passion and not a burden," he said. "So I am enjoying cricket after leaving engineering and a job to follow my passion without having much at home."

Madhwal is also a product of tennis-ball cricket, a variant of the sport using tennis balls.

It is popular among budding cricketers across India and Madhwal said it played a part in his breakout display.

"I have learnt to bowl yorkers in tennis-ball cricket and I try to implement that (here) because that's the only ball to save yourself (from getting hit for runs)," said Madhwal, who hails from the north Indian state of Uttarakhand.

"My strength is my yorker and bhaiyya ("brother" Rohit) used me where my strength lies and where the team needs me."

His feat on Wednesday came on the back of 4-37 against Sunrisers Hyderabad -- eclipsed only by Mumbai big-buy Cameron Green's match-winning 100 not out.

Standing at 1.75 metres (five feet and nine inches), Madhwal is not your usual tall and burly fast bowler, but his accuracy and grit more than makes up for the lack of size.

"We knew what he had, and we needed somebody to bowl at the back end," said Rohit. "Having seen him, I was confident he could get the job done for us."

The bearded and often-smiling Madhwal struck twice in two balls, including getting the dangerous Nicholas Pooran out, caught behind for a duck to break Lucknow's back.

Former India quick Zaheer Khan tweeted: "Looking forward to a lot more from the young lad."

Opportunity has not come easy for Madhwal.

He played as a net bowler for Royal Challengers Bangalore in 2019 before joining Mumbai in the same capacity.

But Madhwal, who has led his state team in the 50-overs format, said he never lost hope.

"When a scouting team picks you as a net bowler, they give you a chance as well as one has to showcase your skills in the practice matches and show your potential," he said.

"It's just about grabbing your opportunity."

(AFP)

More For You

Top 10 with Talal Qureshi

Talal Qureshi

Top 10 with Talal Qureshi

Talal Qureshi is not just riding the wave of Pakistani music – he is helping reinvent it. A trailblazer in electronic and experimental sound, he has fused desi roots with global beats to produce tracks that have thrilled music lovers and found their way onto popular TV shows such as Coke Studio and Ms Marvel.

From bringing Diplo to Pakistan to lighting up Times Square with his album TURBO, Qureshi’s journey has been boundary-breaking. His latest track Kailash Reimagined, a collaboration with global artists Delara, Charan and BEAM, proves once again that his sonic universe knows no borders. Here, the genre-defying hitmaker shares 10 unforgettable career moments – and he is only getting started.

Keep ReadingShow less
Playlist with Kairvina

Kairvina

My Playlist with Kairvina

Having been passionate about music from a young age, it was perhaps inevitable that Kairvina would become an accomplished singer-songwriter. The India-born talent added to her growing reputation with her recently released track Bait, which has received a positive response and highlighted her flair for storytelling.

Heavily inspired by Jeff Buckley, Phoebe Bridgers and Elliott Smith, she shared her 10 favourite songs with Eastern Eye.

Keep ReadingShow less
Hurricane Hemlatha takes chutney soca by storm with powerhouse performances

Hurricane Hemlatha Dindial

Hurricane Hemlatha takes chutney soca by storm with powerhouse performances

Born into a musical household, it was perhaps inevitable that Hurricane Hemlatha Dindial would pursue a career in singing.

The daughter of late music legend Basdeo Lappo Dindial and sister of acclaimed singer Rasika Dindial, she has carved out her own place as a versatile chutney soca artist – known for catchy songs and a commanding stage presence. Her electrifying live sets include a standout performance at this year’s Chutney Soca Monarch competition.

Keep ReadingShow less
Small daily steps to mental strength

Positive changes promote calm and clarity of the mind

Small daily steps to mental strength

In a fast-paced world fraught with stress, anxiety and unprecedented challenges, prioritising mental well-being has never been more important. Whether you are navigating personal struggles or supporting someone else, taking proactive steps can make a real difference. With mental health being an increasingly vital issue, Eastern Eye shares essential tips to help you feel better internally – and ways to support others who may be going through difficult times.

Exercise: Whether it is walking, yoga, dancing, playing a sport or going to the gym, find an activity you enjoy. Regular exercise supports both physical and mental well-being, as it releases endorphins – the body’s natural mood boosters – which help reduce anxiety and depression. It can also build self-confidence and provide opportunities to connect with others.

Keep ReadingShow less
Khloe Kardashian praises Shah Rukh Khan's

Khloe Kardashian praises Shah Rukh Khan's regal Met Gala look featuring his signature 'K' necklace

Getty Images

Khloe Kardashian can’t get over Shah Rukh Khan’s Met Gala debut

Shah Rukh Khan made his debut at the Met Gala 2025, creating a historic moment as the first male Bollywood actor to attend the prestigious event. His appearance caught the attention of many, including reality TV star Khloe Kardashian, who took to social media to express her admiration.

Khloe, who visited India in 2024 with her sister Kim Kardashian, recalled first learning about Shah Rukh during that trip. Reflecting on his Met Gala look, she posted on Snapchat, calling him 'King Khan' and sharing that she is particularly fond of his signature 'K' necklace. Khloe praised the Indian designer Sabyasachi Mukherjee, who crafted Shah Rukh’s outfit, talking about how the ensemble elegantly blended Indian cultural elements with global fashion influences.

Keep ReadingShow less