Mumbai Indians’ young sensation Ashwani Kumar made a historic IPL debut against Kolkata Knight Riders at the iconic Wankhede Stadium on Sunday. The 23-year-old left-arm pacer from Jhanjeri, near Chandigarh, delivered a stunning performance, taking 4 wickets for just 24 runs, helping Mumbai Indians to bowl out Kolkata Knight Riders for a mere 116 runs in 16.2 overs—the lowest total of the IPL season so far.
Ashwani Kumar became the first Indian to claim four wickets on an IPL debut, cementing his place in the annals of cricket history. His remarkable feat places him alongside other debutants who have made significant impacts, such as Alzarri Joseph with 6/12 and Andrew Tye with 5/17.
The young pacer made an immediate impact, dismissing KKR captain Ajinkya Rahane with his very first delivery in the IPL. Ashwani’s spell was complemented by Deepak Chahar’s 2 for 19, as they dismantled the KKR batting lineup. Angkrish Raghuvanshi was the top scorer for KKR, managing 26 runs off 16 balls.
Reflecting on his debut, an elated Ashwani shared, “I felt very good; there was pressure, but the team environment helped me settle down. I didn’t have lunch today; I only ate a banana. There was some pressure, so I didn’t feel hungry. The captain, Hardik bhai, told me to bowl it into the wicket and back my skills. Everyone back in my village will be watching me play, and I’m very happy.”
With only four senior T20 matches, two Ranji Trophy appearances, and four List A games under his belt before this IPL debut, Ashwani Kumar’s performance signals a bright future for both the young pacer and the Mumbai Indians franchise.