‘Benchmark I Set For Myself Was High’: Akash Madhwal On Life After His IPL 5/5

Madhwal on Life After That Iconic 5/5: "My Own Benchmark Got Too High"

Hey everyone, Diya here. Just read through Akash Madhwal's candid chat with IANS and wanted to share what stood out to me — both from a cricket AND a sports-medicine lens.

The pacer opened up about the 5/5 he ripped off for Mumbai Indians against Lucknow Super Giants in the 2023 IPL playoff — still the defining spell of his career. But here's the honest part: that single performance set a benchmark that's now tough for him to live up to.

"We cannot spend our entire cricket journey on just one performance," he said. "The best milestones come so we can set new records, break our own milestones, and raise our own benchmarks."

Fair point — and as someone who works with athletes, I genuinely respect this mindset. Setting a personal standard and then grinding to match it is exactly how you avoid the trap of resting on one great day.

The Unconventional Route

What's fascinating is his path. Unlike most pacers who go pro young, Madhwal did engineering, took a job, and only then picked cricket up seriously — his state (Mizoram) only got affiliation in 2019, which unlocked his pro chances.

He admits he sometimes wonders "what if I'd started earlier," but lands on a calm acceptance: "It's God's plan. Whatever God wants happens."

Still Dreaming of India

Despite the late start and the weight of expectations, his goal hasn't dimmed: "The dream of playing for India is still inside me. It's just a matter of one good season that will lead me up to the top."

My take: From a workload and recovery standpoint, a bowler who's battled through a non-linear career and still has that fire is exactly the profile worth watching. Here's hoping the next season gives him that breakthrough. 🏏

What do you all think — can one IPL spell define a bowler's whole career narrative?

Source: Cricketnmore