Ashwani Kumar, a 23-year-old left-arm pacer from Punjab, made his IPL debut a night to remember on March 31, 2025, for Mumbai Indians (MI) against Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) at Wankhede Stadium.
His 4/24 spell crushed KKR, handing MI their first IPL 2025 win, and earned him the Player of the Match award. The young bowler’s beaming with pride, and he has got plenty to say about his big moment.
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How did Ashwani Kumar react to the award?
Grabbing the MOTM on his first IPL game left Ashwani happy. “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),” he said.
For him, it’s not just a prize—it’s proof his efforts paid off. “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,” he added.
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Even with all his prep, Ashwani admitted to some jitters before the game: "I was confident, but I was a little nervous as well, thinking about what will happen. (On his message to his people back home) I want to make all of you feel proud in the upcoming games."
How did Ashwani Kumar perform?
Fast forward to March 31, Ashwani’s first IPL game for MI against KKR. Hardik Pandya gave him the ball early, and he struck gold right away, getting KKR captain Ajinkya Rahane out on his first ball as Tilak Varma caught him.
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He kept going, nabbing Rinku Singh, Manish Pandey and Andre Russell for a sweet 4/24. KKR crashed to 116, and MI chased it easily, and Ashwani’s spell was the difference.
Why did MI pick him for this match?
MI captain Hardik Pandya explained why they went with Ashwani. "We thought Ashwani can come in (on this pitch) and bowl the way he bowled. It is all scouts - they picked him. 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. We just backed him and the way he took that wicket of Russell was a very crucial wicket, and how he started with the catch of de Kock, it was terrific to see (a fast bowler jumping up to take it)."