How Ashwani Kumar Created History with 4 Wickets on His IPL Debut for Mumbai Indians
Ashwani Kumar made history by becoming the first Indian bowler to take four wickets on his IPL debut. Playing for Mumbai Indians, the 23-year-old pacer dismissed Ajinkya Rahane with his very first ball and later took the wickets of Rinku Singh, Manish Pandey, and Andre Russell. Born in Mohali, Ashwani previously played for Punjab in domestic cricket and was bought by MI for ₹30 lakh.
The Indian Premier League continues to unearth young talent, and the latest to shine is Mumbai Indians’ Ashwani Kumar. The 23-year-old pacer delivered a sensational debut performance against Kolkata Knight Riders in Mumbai, making an instant impact. Stepping up in the absence of Jasprit Bumrah and sharing the attack with experienced bowlers like Trent Boult and Deepak Chahar, Ashwani grabbed his opportunity with both hands.
His spell proved to be a game-changer as he dismissed Ajinkya Rahane (11) with his very first ball, setting the tone for a dominant performance. He then removed Rinku Singh (17), impact substitute Manish Pandey (17), and the dangerous Andre Russell (5), dismantling KKR’s batting lineup. With Chahar (2/19) and Boult (1/23) making early breakthroughs, Ashwani Kumar got a good chance in the middle overs and in the mid-innings break, he said:
I felt very good, there was pressure but the team environment helped me to settle down. I didn’t have lunch today, I only ate a banana, there was some pressure so I didn’t feel hungry. I made a bit of plan, they (team management) told that it’s debut match so enjoy yourself and back your skills. The captain also played his role, Hardik bhai told me to bowl it into the wicket. Everyone in the village will be watching me play, I got my opportunity today and I’m very happy.
Ashwani’s four-wicket haul further crippled Kolkata, ensuring Mumbai Indians gained complete control of the match. With this incredible effort, Ashwani Kumar etched his name in IPL history, becoming the first Indian bowler to claim four wickets on debut. His performance not only gave Mumbai Indians a strong edge but also introduced him as an exciting new prospect in Indian cricket.
Ashwani Kumar’s Early Life and Career
At just 23 years old, Ashwani Kumar has established himself as a promising fast bowler in Indian domestic cricket. He hails from Jhanjeri, a small town near Chandigarh, and is known for his deceptive bouncer and smart pace variations. Born in Mohali, Ashwani first gained recognition through his impressive performances in the Sher-e-Punjab T20 tournament, where he showcased his ability to handle pressure and deliver in crucial moments.
His professional journey began in 2022 when he made his debut for Punjab in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, India’s premier domestic T20 tournament. During the competition, he played four matches and managed to pick up three wickets at an economy rate of 8.5, proving his effectiveness in the shortest format. His consistent performances earned him further opportunities, and he went on to represent Punjab in two First-Class matches and four List A games, gaining valuable experience in different formats of the game.
| Format | Matches | Innings | Balls | Runs | Wickets | BBI | BBM | Average | Economy | Strike Rate |
| FC | 2 | 4 | 254 | 171 | 3 | 1/26 | 2/85 | 57.00 | 4.03 | 84.6 |
| List A | 4 | 4 | 162 | 158 | 3 | 3/37 | 3/37 | 52.66 | 5.85 | 54.0 |
Ashwani has built a reputation for his ability to bowl in high-pressure situations, particularly in the death overs. His natural talent, combined with his hard work and determination, has set him on a promising path in Indian cricket. With time and experience, he has the potential to become a key fast bowler at the national level.
IPL 2025 Auction and the Road Ahead
With the IPL Auction 2025 in the books, Mumbai Indians made a smart investment by signing left-arm pacer Ashwani Kumar for Rs. 30 lakh. Known for his ability to bowl under pressure in the death overs (16-20), Ashwani was previously with Punjab Kings but did not get a chance in the playing XI. However, with Jasprit Bumrah set to miss the first few matches of IPL 2025, he becomes a crucial addition to MI’s bowling attack.
Ashwani made an immediate impact on his IPL debut, delivering an impressive spell of 4/24 against Kolkata Knight Riders. This performance placed him among the best bowling figures on IPL debuts, joining an elite list that includes Alzarri Joseph’s record-breaking 6/12 for MI in 2019 and Andrew Tye’s 5/17 for Gujarat Lions in 2017. His debut figures were also better than those of Shoaib Akhtar (4/11 in 2008) and Kevon Cooper (4/26 in 2012).
With Mumbai Indians securing their first win of the season, the team will now look forward to building momentum, and Ashwani’s presence adds depth to their pace attack. His ability to execute yorkers and slower deliveries in the final overs could prove vital as MI aims for another successful campaign.
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