Mumbai Indians (MI), the five-time IPL champions, handed an IPL debut to left-arm pacer Ashwani Kumar in a crucial match against defending champions Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) on Monday. The young bowler from Punjab did not disappoint, delivering a dream performance by claiming four wickets in just three overs. His sensational spell helped MI bowl out KKR for a mere 116 runs, setting the stage for a much-needed victory.
Ashwani Kumar made an immediate impact, dismissing KKR skipper Ajinkya Rahane on the very first ball of his IPL career. Introduced into the attack by MI captain Hardik Pandya in the 4th over, Ashwani bowled a full-length delivery outside off stump. Rahane attempted an aerial shot but ended up handing an easy catch to Tilak Varma at deep backward point.
His performance placed him among an elite list of bowlers who have taken a wicket on their first IPL delivery for MI:
Apart from his incredible bowling, Ashwani also showcased his fielding skills by taking the crucial catch of Quinton de Kock in the earlier overs. In his second spell, he dismantled KKR’s middle order, dismissing star players Rinku Singh, Andre Russell, and Manish Pandey. His fiery bowling performance played a pivotal role in restricting KKR to a below-par total.
The 23-year-old pacer was part of the Punjab Kings squad last year but did not feature in a single match. However, his performance in domestic cricket, including the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy and Punjab’s Sher-e-Punjab T20 tournament, caught the attention of scouts. Mumbai Indians secured him in the IPL 2025 mega auction for INR 30 Lakh, a move that now seems like a masterstroke.
Before making his IPL debut, Ashwani had only played four T20 matches, taking two wickets. His rise to prominence highlights Mumbai Indians’ knack for identifying and nurturing raw talent.
Winning the toss, MI skipper Hardik Pandya chose to bowl first, considering the dew factor at Wankhede Stadium. Speaking at the toss, Pandya expressed confidence in the new recruit:
“We are bowling first as this pitch plays well under lights. Dew might come into play, so chasing is a good option. We want to gain momentum and kickstart our campaign. Will Jacks returns, and we have a debutant – Ashwani Kumar.”
Ashwani Kumar’s stunning debut has given Mumbai Indians a much-needed boost in their IPL 2025 campaign. With his ability to swing the ball and deliver under pressure, he could become a key player for MI in the tournament. His performance against KKR has certainly put him on the radar as one of the emerging stars to watch out for this season.
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