Mumbai Indians bowler Ashwani Kumar during the IPL 2025 match against Kolkata Knight Riders in Mumbai on March 31, 2025.
| Photo Credit: PTI
The Mumbai Indians’ (MI) latest sensation, Ashwani Kumar, made a dream debut in the Indian Premier League (IPL), delivering a match-winning performance against the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR).
The young seamer from Jhanjheri, Mohali, was the star with the ball, picking up 4/24 in his three-over spell and playing a crucial role in restricting KKR to 116.
After being named Player of the Match for his stunning debut performance, an emotional Ashwani said, “It is a big thing for me that I got this opportunity and that I am getting this award. Never thought about this, just did my process and happy (to get this award). I am from Jhanjheri in Mohali district – to come from there to here, that is the result of my hard work and by god’s grace, I am here,” as quoted from ESPNcricinfo.
Ashwani’s impact was felt early as he claimed his maiden IPL wicket by dismissing KKR skipper Ajinkya Rahane for 11. Gaining confidence with each delivery, he then sent back the dangerous Rinku Singh (17). After that, he cleaned up Manish Pandey (19) and all-rounder Andre Russell (5) to complete a stunning spell. Despite his impressive performance, the young pacer admitted to feeling a mix of emotions before stepping onto the field.
“I was confident, but I was a little nervous as well, thinking about what will happen,” he shared. Ashwani also had a special message for his supporters back home, expressing gratitude and determination to continue performing at the highest level.”I want to make all of you feel proud in the upcoming games,” he said. With a debut to remember, Ashwani Kumar has announced himself on the big stage.
Had banana, says Ashwani
“I didn’t have anything for lunch, I just had a banana. There was a little pressure. I wasn’t feeling hungry,” said Kumar.
“But still, I played well, so it’s good.
“(Captain) Hardik Pandya said that since it’s your debut match, enjoy yourself. Just keep bowling the way you have been,” he added.
Pandya said the credit for his bowler’s impressive debut should go to the extensive Mumbai scouting network.
“We thought Ashwani can come in on this pitch and bowl the way he bowled. It is all the scouts – they picked him,” said Pandya.
“They have gone to all the places and picked these young kids. We played a practice game, he had that zip, that late swing, something off the wicket, a different action and he was a leftie.”
(With inputs from AFP)
Published – April 01, 2025 06:19 am IST
Content Source: www.thehindu.com