IPL 2025: Anxious debutant Ashwani Kumar shines with 4-24
Click to start listening
Synopsis
In an exciting IPL 2025 debut, Ashwani Kumar made a significant impact for the Mumbai Indians, claiming four wickets for 24 runs against the Kolkata Knight Riders. Despite his nerves, he showcased exceptional talent, marking a memorable first appearance at Wankhede Stadium.
Key Takeaways
- Ashwani Kumar achieved 4-24 on his IPL debut.
- He is the first Indian bowler to take four wickets on debut.
- Ashwani had only played four senior T20 matches prior to this.
- His debut performance helped Mumbai Indians bowl out KKR for 116.
- He credited Hardik Pandya for his successful strategy against Russell.
Mumbai, March 31 (NationPress) The Mumbai Indians have once again demonstrated that aspirations can turn into reality by showcasing a hidden cricketing talent, bringing to light an unfamiliar bowler from Punjab during their opening home game of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 against the Kolkata Knight Riders at Wankhede Stadium on Monday.
A few days after unveiling Vignesh Puthur to the public in their match against the renowned five-time champions Chennai Super Kings in Chennai, the Mumbai Indians on Monday handed the debut cap to Ashwani Kumar, a 23-year-old left-arm seamer from Jhanjeri near Mohali (Chandigarh).
Ashwani seized the opportunity with enthusiasm, achieving remarkable figures of 4-24 in three overs, skillfully utilizing the conditions and the slight assistance from the fresh Wankhede pitch. This performance made him the first Indian bowler to take four wickets on his IPL debut, earning him the best figures recorded by a debutant bowler.
It was a surprising choice by the Mumbai team as Ashwani had only participated in four senior T20 matches prior to his IPL debut. He had played in two Ranji Trophy matches and four List A games but had not made a significant impact in any of those.
Informed of his debut on the previous Sunday, Ashwani arrived at the Wankhede with an empty stomach, overwhelmed by nerves that made it hard for him to eat.
"I am feeling very good. Initially, I was under pressure, but the supportive team atmosphere eased my anxiety. I only had a banana because I felt too nervous to eat. I had prepared a little, but they advised me to enjoy my debut and bowl as I usually do," Ashwani shared in a mid-innings interview with the broadcasters.
The modest and lanky 23-year-old transformed into a fierce competitor once he took to the bowling crease, making a mark with his very first delivery by dismissing KKR's captain Ajinkya Rahane.
He went on to claim three more wickets, outsmarting seasoned players Manish Pandey and Andre Russell like a veteran, maintaining a strategy of short and wide deliveries that tempted them to take risks. Most of the time, they could not outsmart him. He cramped Pandey for room, leading him to be bowled, while Russell fell victim to a fuller delivery after two short ones. Rinku Singh was dismissed with a short-pitched delivery that lured him into hitting against the line.
Thrilled with his performance, Ashwani credited skipper Hardik Pandya for guiding him on how to dismiss Russell.
“Hardik bhai suggested I bowl short and target the body, which resulted in a wicket. Back in my village, everyone was watching. They had been waiting for my debut, and by God's grace, I got the chance tonight and performed well,” expressed the young pacer.
Monday marked the first time Ashwani secured four wickets in a match. His previous best was 3-37 in List A cricket and 1/19 in T20s. He also took a catch and dropped two in the field, but those errors were overshadowed by his outstanding performance that helped the Mumbai Indians bowl out KKR for 116 runs in 16.2 overs.
Ashwani, following in the footsteps of young pacers like Mayank Yadav and Umran Malik, had a chance for a maiden five-wicket haul but was unable to complete his quota of four overs.
His impressive debut ensures that he will receive more opportunities in IPL 2025. It is now his responsibility to maintain consistent performances and align himself with the likes of Jasprit Bumrah and Arshdeep Singh to elevate their IPL success into the major leagues.
