Left-arm pacer Ashwani Kumar made history on debut as MI cruised to victory; skipper Hardik Pandya hails scouts for unearthing the young talent.
April 1, 2025: Mumbai – In what turned out to be a memorable IPL debut, left-arm pacer Ashwani Kumar was the star of the night as Mumbai Indians (MI) registered their first win of IPL 2025 with a dominant eight-wicket victory over Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) at the Wankhede Stadium.
Also Read: IPL 2025: Rahane Reflects on Batting Collapse as KKR Fall to MI by 8 Wickets
Ashwani, just 21, picked up 4 wickets for 24 runs, becoming the first Indian bowler to claim four wickets on IPL debut, helping bundle out KKR for a mere 116 in 16.2 overs.
“Credit Goes to Our Scouts” – Hardik Pandya
Post-match, MI captain Hardik Pandya lauded the franchise’s scouting network for discovering Ashwani.
Also Read: Hardik Pandya Hails Team Effort, MI Scouts After First Win of IPL 2025
“It’s all because of the scouts. They’ve gone across the country, picked these young kids. We played a practice game and Ashwani showed good zip, late swing, and that unique left-arm action,” Pandya said.
“The way he started – that leaping catch of Quinton de Kock and then dismissing Andre Russell – just incredible.”
This was MI’s first win of the season after two consecutive losses. The captain emphasized how team backing and smart rotation worked well on a pitch that had some bounce.
KKR Captain Admits to Batting Collapse
KKR skipper Ajinkya Rahane admitted it was a poor batting show from his side.
“It was a good wicket to bat on. We should’ve got 180-190. We didn’t adjust to the bounce, and it was a collective failure. Bowlers tried, but we didn’t give them enough to defend,” Rahane said.
Ashwani Kumar: A Star Is Born
- Debut match stats: 4/24 in 4 overs
- Wickets: Ajinkya Rahane, Rinku Singh, Manish Pandey, Andre Russell
- Fielding highlight: Stunning catch to dismiss Quinton de Kock
Ashwani’s explosive debut not only turned the game but may well be MI’s bowling revelation for IPL 2025.
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