In a thrilling display of skill and composure, Mumbai Indians’ latest sensation, 23-year-old left-arm pacer Ashwani Kumar, etched his name into the IPL record books with an outstanding performance on his debut. Facing off against Kolkata Knight Riders at Mumbai’s iconic Wankhede Stadium, Kumar dismantled the opposition with a stunning 4-wicket haul, becoming the first Indian bowler to achieve this feat on debut in the IPL.
Before taking the field, Kumar admitted to feeling the weight of the occasion, so much so that his nerves got the better of him, restricting his pre-game meal to just a banana. ‘I am feeling very good. I was feeling pressure early on but the team environment did not make me feel that way. I just had a banana because there was pressure, so I was not feeling very hungry. I had planned a little but they told me to enjoy myself on debut and bowl what I have been bowling,’ Kumar shared in a mid-innings interview, revealing the simplicity of his meal amidst the high stakes of the match.
Kumar’s debut figures of 4 for 24 in three overs played a pivotal role in restricting Kolkata Knight Riders to a mere 116 runs in 16.2 overs. Making an immediate impact, he dismissed KKR skipper Ajinkya Rahane with his very first delivery in the IPL. His array of control and variations proved too much for the opposition, as he went on to dismiss the likes of Manish Pandey, the explosive Andre Russell, and Rinku Singh.
Acknowledging the tactical genius of Mumbai Indians’ captain Hardik Pandya, Kumar credited his strategy for the crucial dismissal of Russell. ‘Hardik bhai told me to bowl short and to bowl at the body and that led to a wicket,’ Kumar noted, highlighting the importance of teamwork in his success.
The emotional significance of his performance was not lost on Kumar, as he reflected on the support from his village. ‘In my village, everyone would be watching. They were just waiting for my debut, and by god’s grace, I got an opportunity tonight and did well,’ he added with visible pride.
The significance of this match transcends Kumar’s personal milestone; it marked the first time in his career that he took four wickets in a game, surpassing his previous best of 3/37 in List A cricket and 1/19 in T20s. Ashwani Kumar’s debut not only showcased his talent but also highlighted the potential of young Indian cricketers on the global stage.