Making a dream debut in the IPL is every young cricketer’s wish, and Mumbai Indians’ new pace bowler Ashwani Kumar did just that! The left-arm fast bowler made headlines when he dismissed Ajinkya Rahane on the very first ball of his IPL career. Let’s take a look at his journey, skills, and what makes him a rising star in Indian cricket.
Who is Ashwani Kumar?
Ashwani Kumar is a 23-year-old fast bowler from Jhanjeri, Mohali, Punjab. He has been playing domestic cricket for Punjab and has impressed many with his bowling skills. Mumbai Indians picked him in the 2025 IPL auction for ₹30 lakhs, and he is already making an impact!
His Cricket Journey
Ashwani started playing cricket at a young age and made his Ranji Trophy debut in 2019 for Punjab. He also played in the Vijay Hazare Trophy in 2021, gaining valuable experience in domestic cricket. Before IPL, he performed well in local T20 tournaments, where he proved his ability to handle pressure and take wickets in crucial moments.
His Strengths as a Bowler
| Skill | Description |
|---|---|
| Accurate Yorkers | Can bowl perfect yorkers to stop runs in death overs. |
| Slow Bouncers & Cutters | Uses variations to trick batsmen and take wickets. |
| Swing & Pace | Can swing the ball both ways while maintaining speed. |
| Calm Under Pressure | Performs well in high-pressure situations. |
| Good Line & Length | Maintains consistent line and length to trouble batsmen. |
His IPL Debut: A Dream Start!
Making an IPL debut is a special moment, but getting a wicket on the very first ball is extraordinary! Playing against Kolkata Knight Riders, Ashwani dismissed Ajinkya Rahane with his first-ever IPL delivery. This wicket not only gave Mumbai Indians an early breakthrough but also made Ashwani an instant sensation!
Wicket on first ball on IPL debut for MI
- Ali Murtaza vs RR, 2010 (Naman Ojha)
- Alzarri Joseph vs SRH, 2019 (David Warner)
- Dewald Brevis vs RCB, 2022 (Virat Kohli)
- Ashwani Kumar vs KKR, 2025 (Ajinkya Rahane)
Ashwani Kumar’s Latest Performance in IPL 2025
| Match | Wickets Taken | Key Dismissals | Economy Rate | Venue |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MI vs KKR (Debut Match) | 1 | Ajinkya Rahane | 6.50 | Wankhede Stadium |
| MI vs KKR | 4 | Rahane, Rinku, Pandey, Russell | 7.00 | Wankhede Stadium |
Ashwani’s four-wicket haul against KKR helped Mumbai Indians dominate the game. His ability to take wickets in crucial moments shows that he is a strong asset for the team. (sports.ndtv.com)
What’s Next for Ashwani Kumar?
Ashwani has started his IPL journey on a high note, and fans are excited to see more of his magic. With the guidance of experienced bowlers in the Mumbai Indians squad, he has a bright future ahead. If he continues to perform well, he might even get a chance to represent Team India in the future!
Read Also:- Who is Vignesh Puthur? A Look at His Journey and Impact
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