After playing just four Twenty20 matches in domestic cricket, Ashwani Kumar was signed by the Mumbai Indians (MI) for the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 mega-auction. In his first season in the lucrative league, the 23-year-old has had an incredible impression for the five-time champions, garnering high appreciation from both analysts and supporters.
Ashwani was the Impact Player in the second innings of Friday, May 30,’s elimination match against Gujarat Titans (GT) at the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium in Mullanpur. He was instrumental in helping Mumbai defend a 229-run target on a belter track. He finished with figures of 1/28 in 3.3 overs, taking Shahrukh Khan out of the game.
Following the game, MI head coach Mahela Jayawardene praised the Punjab bowler for overcoming all of the management’s challenges.
Ashwani Kumar is incredibly talented. He has performed admirably in every task we have given him this season. Even though he hasn’t played much state cricket, his skill was immediately apparent. Players like Boom (Bumrah), Deepak, and Hardik have been really supportive of him, and we’ve given him clear plans to prevent confusion. At the news conference following the game, Jayawardene stated, “What matters is execution under pressure, and he’s done that.”
According to the former captain of Sri Lanka, Ashwani has been utilised strategically depending on the opponents MI is facing. Jayawardene promised to keep the young speedster well-groomed.
He bowled brilliantly in the KKR game and even in the GT game when he in as a concussion substitute. He keeps learning, and we employ him strategically depending on the opposition. This is only the beginning; Ashwini has a lot more in store, and we’re determined to raise him properly’, he continued.
Ashwani Kumar has taken nine wickets at an average of 19.67 in six games thus far.
He took four wickets while giving up just 24 runs against the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), which was his best performance to date.
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