Ashwani Kumar, the latest sensation from Mumbai Indians (MI), has made headlines with a remarkable debut in the Indian Premier League (IPL) that has cricket fans buzzing. On Monday (March 30, 2025), during a match against Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) at the iconic Wankhede Stadium, the 23-year-old left-arm pacer showcased his talent by taking a wicket with his very first delivery. This impressive feat has placed him among an elite group of bowlers who have achieved this milestone in IPL history.
All you need to know about Ashwani Kumar
Early life and background
Born on August 29, 2001, in Jhanjeri, Mohali, Punjab, Ashwani hails from humble beginnings. His family faced financial constraints that limited their ability to support his cricketing ambitions. Nevertheless, Ashwani’s passion for the sport led him to travel across districts in Punjab to play cricket, ultimately earning him a spot in the Punjab state team. He made his first-class debut at just 18 years old during the 2019-20 Ranji Trophy season.
Journey through domestic cricket
Despite his early promise, Ashwani’s journey in domestic cricket was not smooth sailing. He faced challenges such as a hamstring injury that sidelined him for a significant period. After returning to the Punjab team, he struggled to secure consistent playing time. In total, he participated in only two first-class matches and four List A games before making his IPL debut. His performances in these formats were modest, with a best of 3/37 in List A cricket and only two wickets across four T20 matches.
Ashwani’s breakthrough moment came during the Sher-e-Punjab T20 tournament, where he played for BLV Blasters and recorded impressive figures of 4/36. This performance caught the attention of scouts and led to his selection for Mumbai Indians during the IPL mega auction, where he was acquired for INR 30 lakh.
Ashwani was a net bowler for Punjab Kings in IPL 2024.
Record-breaking IPL debut
On his much-anticipated IPL debut, Ashwani did not disappoint. He made an immediate impact by dismissing KKR captain Ajinkya Rahane on his very first ball—a full-length delivery that was caught at deep backward point by Tilak Varma. This wicket marked Ashwani as the first Indian bowler to take four wickets on his IPL debut, finishing with outstanding figures of 4 for 24 in just three overs. His scalps included notable players like Rinku Singh, Manish Pandey and Andre Russell, leading MI to an emphatic victory as they bowled out KKR for a mere 116 runs.
Also READ: Top 5 best bowling figures on IPL debut ft. Ashwani Kumar
Future prospects
With such a stellar start to his IPL career, Ashwani Kumar is poised to become a key player for the Mumbai Indians this season. His record-breaking debut not only highlights his individual talent but also adds depth to MI’s bowling attack as they aim for another championship title.
