The Indian Premier League (IPL) has always been a platform for young and talented cricketers to shine. In IPL 2025, one such name that has caught everyone’s attention is Ashwani Kumar. The 23-year-old left-arm pacer from Punjab made a dream debut for Mumbai Indians against Kolkata Knight Riders and instantly became the talk of the town.
Ashwani Kumar’s Dream Debut
On March 31, 2025, at the Wankhede Stadium, Ashwani Kumar delivered a breathtaking performance, helping Mumbai Indians bowl out Kolkata Knight Riders for just 116 runs. He took four wickets, making an instant impact on his first appearance in the IPL.
Despite having played only a few domestic matches, including two Ranji Trophy games, three Vijay Hazare Trophy matches, and four Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy encounters, Ashwani Kumar had never taken more than three wickets in any format. However, he turned the tables in the IPL, dismissing some of the biggest names in cricket.
How Mumbai Indians Spotted Ashwani Kumar
Before the IPL 2025 auction, Ashwani Kumar was not a well-known name in Indian cricket. However, Mumbai Indians’ scouts noticed his exceptional ability to bowl wide yorkers with accuracy. They spotted him during the Sher-E-Punjab Trophy and decided to bid for him in the auction. Mumbai Indians acquired Ashwani Kumar at his base price, and their investment paid off immediately.
Ashwani Kumar’s Key Wickets Against KKR
His first wicket came on the very first ball he bowled in the IPL. Ajinkya Rahane, the captain of Kolkata Knight Riders, edged the ball, and Tilak Varma completed the catch. This set the tone for an incredible performance.
Later in the match, he dismissed Rinku Singh and Manish Pandey in the same over, crushing KKR’s hopes of a comeback. His final and most significant wicket was Andre Russell, whom he clean-bowled with a perfect full delivery.
Ashwani Kumar’s Reaction After His Match-Winning Spell
After the first innings, Ashwani was interviewed by the broadcasters. When asked about his pre-match routine, he gave a humble and honest reply. “I just had a banana because there was pressure, so I was not feeling very hungry,” he said. His innocence and honesty won the hearts of many cricket fans.
He also credited Mumbai Indians’ captain, Hardik Pandya, for guiding him. “Hardik bhai told me to bowl short and target the body, and that led to a wicket,” he said.
What’s Next for Ashwani Kumar?
Ashwani Kumar’s performance has put him in the spotlight, and he is now expected to play a crucial role for Mumbai Indians throughout IPL 2025. With his ability to swing the ball and bowl yorkers consistently, he could become a key asset for his team.
Conclusion
Ashwani Kumar’s journey from a small village near Chandigarh to the IPL is inspiring. His talent, hard work, and determination have made him a name to watch out for in the cricketing world. If he continues to perform like this, he will soon be a permanent fixture in Indian cricket.
Keep an eye on Ashwani Kumar, as he could be the next big thing in Indian cricket!
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