Harbhajan Singh thrashes Hardik Pandya after vile Ashwani Kumar move vs KKR

Former Indian spinner Harbhajan Singh lauded Ashwani Kumar for his impressive bowling performance in Mumbai Indians' (MI) victory over Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in IPL 2025. The former Mumbai player said that Ashwani deserved another over and could have taken a five-wicket haul if given the chance.

Ashwani Kumar took 4 wickets for 24 runs in his three overs as Mumbai Indians bowled out Kolkata Knight Riders for just 116 in Mumbai on Monday, March 31. The young pacer dismissed Ajinkya Rahane with his very first ball. He removed Rinku Singh, Manish Pandey, and Andre Russell during the match.

Luck Was with Him Today - Harbhajan Singh

Speaking on Star Sports, Harbhajan Singh said that luck was on Ashwani Kumar's side. He noted that it was a special moment to see a bowler take a wicket with the very first delivery of his IPL career.

"Luck was with him today. It was his day. It was written that he would play the match and win the Player of the Match award because when do you see someone bowling his first ball of his IPL career, that too when he got an opportunity to play for such a big team, and picking up a wicket," he said.

I Would Have Given Him One More Over - Harbhajan Singh

Harbhajan said that the left-arm seamer could have secured a five-wicket haul on debut. Harbhajan added that an extra over for Ashwani might have helped him claim a fifth wicket.

"It was a good day for him. If I had been there, I would have given him one more over. He wouldn't have taken four, but five wickets. We had asked for four wickets in the first six overs, and we got those four. We had asked for five wickets for him also, but he didn't get another over, or else he would have taken five wickets," Harbhajan added.

Ashwani Kumar picked up the crucial wicket of Andre Russell in the 13th over of KKR's innings, which was also his third over. However, Hardik Pandya decided not to give him another over.

Ashwani Kumar Proved His Worth - Harbhajan Singh

During the same discussion, Harbhajan Singh said Ashwani Kumar took the wickets of four key batters. The cricketer-turned-commentator said that the young bowler displayed great skill and potential.

"He got the wicket of Rahane, a dependable batter who you would want to get out. If you dismiss batters like Rahane and Rinku (Singh), your confidence goes sky-high. The ball he bowled to Manish Pandey it pitched on the seam and came in. Then he dismissed Russell. He showed his mettle, that the guy has the might," he said.

Ashwani registered a new record for the best bowling figures by an Indian debutant in IPL history. The previous record was held by Amit Singh, who took 3/9 for the Rajasthan Royals in IPL 2009. Notably, Ashwani was not part of MI’s squad for their first two matches.

The home side chased down the target with eight wickets in hand and 43 balls remaining, marking their first victory of the IPL 2025 season. Ryan Rickelton scored an unbeaten 62 runs off 41 balls, including four boundaries and five sixes.

Also read: Naseem Shah attacks former Pakistan cricketers after bombing stops from the other end