Mumbai Indians’ (MI) Ashwani Kumar had a dream debut in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025, picking up 4/24 as MI bowled out defending champions Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) for just 116—the lowest total of the season so far. The 23-year-old left-arm seamer played a crucial role in dismantling KKR’s batting lineup at the Wankhede Stadium on Monday.
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A Debut to Remember for Ashwani Kumar
After early breakthroughs from Deepak Chahar and Trent Boult, Ashwani took center stage, dismissing:
✅ Ajinkya Rahane (first ball of his IPL career!)
✅ Rinku Singh
✅ Impact sub Manish Pandey
✅ Andre Russell
His 4/24 made him the first Indian to take four wickets on IPL debut.
“I felt very good; there was pressure, but the team environment helped me settle down,” Ashwani told the broadcasters post-match.
“I didn’t have lunch today; I only ate a banana. There was some pressure, so I didn’t feel hungry. The team told me to enjoy myself and back my skills. Hardik bhai (MI captain) advised me to bowl into the wicket.”
A Proud Moment for His Village
The young pacer also shared an emotional moment, knowing that his community was watching him shine on the big stage.
“Everyone back in the village will be watching me play. I got my opportunity today, and I’m very happy,” he said.
KKR’s Batting Collapse
KKR had a nightmare start, with Quinton de Kock and Sunil Narine falling in the first two overs. By the end of the powerplay, they were 41/4, struggling on a fresh Wankhede pitch that provided bounce and swing.
Angkrish Raghuvanshi (26) and Ramandeep Singh (22) were the only KKR batters to cross 20 runs.
With Ashwani Kumar’s fiery debut, MI fans will be eager to see more from the young pacer as the tournament progresses!
