Who is Madhav Tiwari? The 22-year-old Madhya Pradesh sensation taking IPL by storm

Dharamshala: Delhi Capitals all-rounder Madhav Tiwari achieved a major professional milestone on Monday, securing his inaugural Indian Premier League wicket during a contest against the Punjab Kings at the Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association Stadium.

Tiwari claimed the wicket of Punjab’s opening batsman Priyansh Arya, who departed for 56 after being caught at deep cover. The breakthrough occurred during Tiwari’s opening spell, a highly economical sequence in which he allowed only five runs. In his final over, he also dismissed the well-set Cooper Connolly. Cooper Connolly tried to drag a pull in front of the square on the leg side, but he failed to get on top of the bounce, and David Miller catches it. He ended his spell of 4 overs for 40 runs and 2 wickets.

The 22-year-old star, a native of Mauganj in Madhya Pradesh, entered Monday’s game with a single previous IPL credit to his name. Having made his debut in 2025 against the Mumbai Indians, Tiwari’s initial appearance was limited to a three-run batting contribution, as he was not called upon to bowl in that fixture.

An Unconventional Rise

What makes Tiwari’s journey remarkable is his lack of traditional stepping stones. Entering the 2026 season, the Madhya Pradesh all-rounder had:

• Zero Senior Domestic Experience: Unlike most peers who grind through Ranji Trophy or Syed Mushtaq Ali circuits, Tiwari was plucked from age-group cricket and the Bhopal Leopards (MP T20 League) based on raw potential.
• Single-Game Resume: Prior to this breakthrough, his IPL experience consisted of a solitary appearance in 2025 against the Mumbai Indians, where he didn't even get the chance to bowl.

Acquisition and Background

The Delhi Capitals secured Tiwari for ₹40 lakh during the 2025 IPL mega auction. Born on Sept. 28, 2003, Tiwari’s developmental years included a captaincy stint with the Indore Under-18 squad and appearances for the Madhya Pradesh state team at the Under-19 level.