IPL 2025: Ashwani Kumar Reflects on Winning POTM Award

Synopsis

Ashwani Kumar, an uncapped player for Mumbai Indians, surprised everyone by winning the Player of the Match award in IPL 2024. He took 4 wickets for 24 runs on his debut, setting a record for Indian bowlers and reflecting on his journey from Jhanjheri to the IPL stage.

Key Takeaways

Ashwani Kumar made a stunning IPL debut with 4 wickets for 24 runs.
He won the Player of the Match award for his outstanding performance.
His achievement marks the best debut figures by an Indian bowler in IPL history.
Ashwani aims to make his hometown proud in future matches.
He faced initial nerves but was determined to seize his chance.

Mumbai, April 1 (NationPress) When Ashwani Kumar joined the Mumbai Indians as a novice uncapped player, he harbored doubts about his chances of participating in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024, especially with star bowlers like Jasprit Bumrah, Trent Boult, Deepak Chahar, and Mujeeb Ur Rahman in the lineup, alongside captain Hardik Pandya.

However, with Bumrah sidelined due to his back rehabilitation and Mujeeb struggling with form, the opportunity arose for the 23-year-old left-arm pacer from Punjab, and he seized it with a remarkable performance of 4-24 against the Kolkata Knight Riders.

This achievement not only marked Ashwani's first four-wicket haul but also set the record for the best debut figures by an Indian bowler in IPL history. His performance earned him his first-ever Player of the Match Award, a milestone celebrated by his peers.

"It is a significant achievement for me to receive this award and to have this opportunity. I never anticipated this outcome; I just focused on my process and am grateful for this recognition. Coming from Jhanjheri in the Mohali district to this level is a testament to my hard work and divine blessings," Ashwani reflected, drawing parallels with the successful debuts of Mayank Yadav and Umran Malik.

Ashwani admitted to feeling a bit nervous before stepping onto the field for his debut but remained confident in making the most of the situation. When asked what message he had for his supporters back home, he said, "I aim to make you all proud in the upcoming matches."

Mumbai Indians batsman Ryan Rickelton, who was behind the stumps during Ashwani's bowling spell, noted that the lanky pacer was capable of bowling faster than anticipated and could swing the ball in both directions.

Kolkata Knight Riders all-rounder Ramandeep Singh, who shares the same academy in Chandigarh as Ashwani and plays alongside him in the Punjab Ranji Trophy squad, praised his dedication and work ethic. "He possesses immense talent and puts in the hard work. I was looking forward to facing him today, but it didn't happen," he remarked.

Both Ramandeep and Rickelton had anticipated a wicket conducive to pace and bounce, but Ramandeep mentioned that the batters attempted to play aggressively but ultimately fell short, leading to a collapse in their innings.