Ashwani Kumar, the newest sensation from Mumbai Indians (MI), has made headlines with a outstanding debut within the Indian Premier League (IPL) that has cricket followers buzzing. On Monday (March 30, 2025), throughout a match towards Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) on the iconic Wankhede Stadium, the 23-year-old left-arm pacer showcased his expertise by taking a wicket together with his very first supply. This spectacular feat has positioned him amongst an elite group of bowlers who’ve achieved this milestone in IPL historical past.
All it’s essential to find out about Ashwani Kumar
Adolescence and background
Born on August 29, 2001, in Jhanjeri, Mohali, Punjab, Ashwani hails from humble beginnings. His household confronted monetary constraints that restricted their capacity to help his cricketing ambitions. Nonetheless, Ashwani’s ardour for the game led him to journey throughout districts in Punjab to play cricket, finally incomes him a spot within the Punjab state group. He made his first-class debut at simply 18 years previous throughout the 2019-20 Ranji Trophy season.
Journey via home cricket
Regardless of his early promise, Ashwani’s journey in home cricket was not easy crusing. He confronted challenges equivalent to a hamstring damage that sidelined him for a major interval. After returning to the Punjab group, he struggled to safe constant taking part in time. In whole, he participated in solely two first-class matches and 4 Record A video games earlier than making his IPL debut. His performances in these codecs had been modest, with a finest of three/37 in Record A cricket and solely two wickets throughout 4 T20 matches.
Ashwani’s breakthrough second got here throughout the Sher-e-Punjab T20 match, the place he performed for BLV Blasters and recorded spectacular figures of 4/36. This efficiency caught the eye of scouts and led to his choice for Mumbai Indians throughout the IPL mega public sale, the place he was acquired for INR 30 lakh.
Ashwani was a internet bowler for Punjab Kings in IPL 2024.
Report-breaking IPL debut
On his much-anticipated IPL debut, Ashwani didn’t disappoint. He made a right away impression by dismissing KKR captain Ajinkya Rahane on his very first ball—a full-length supply that was caught at deep backward level by Tilak Varma. This wicket marked Ashwani as the primary Indian bowler to take 4 wickets on his IPL debut, ending with excellent figures of 4 for twenty-four in simply three overs. His scalps included notable gamers like Rinku Singh, Manish Pandey and Andre Russell, main MI to an emphatic victory as they bowled out KKR for a mere 116 runs.
Additionally READ: Prime 5 finest bowling figures on IPL debut ft. Ashwani Kumar
Future prospects
With such a stellar begin to his IPL profession, Ashwani Kumar is poised to turn out to be a key participant for the Mumbai Indians this season. His record-breaking debut not solely highlights his particular person expertise but additionally provides depth to MI’s bowling assault as they intention for one more championship title.