Who is Ashwani Kumar? MI pacer who created history with a 4-wicket haul on IPL debut

Mumbai Indians pacer Ashwani Kumar stole the limelight during the ongoing game against Kolkata Knight Riders in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025. The Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai is host to the 12th game of the tournament on Monday (31st March).

Ashwani Kumar, who made his debut for Mumbai Indians in the IPL, had a staggering start to his career in the league. The left-arm pacer produced a magnificent spell of fast bowling and put his team in the top, especially after they lost their last two games.

Ashwani Kumar became the fourth bowler to take a wicket on the first ball on his IPL debut for Mumbai Indians

Ashwani was introduced into the attack by Hardik Pandya in the fourth over, and he proved his worth right on the first ball that he bowled. The fast bowler removed Kolkata Knight Riders skipper Ajinkya Rahane, and after that, he didn't look back as he made almost everyone stand and applaud him.

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With the wicket on the first ball, Ashwani became the fourth bowler to take a wicket on the first ball on his IPL debut for Mumbai Indians. He joined the likes of Ali Murtaza, Alzarri Joseph, and Dewald Brevis

Wicket on the 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 became the first Indian to get a four-wicket haul on his IPL debut

Ashwani ended up picking the wickets of Ajinkya Rahane, Rinku Singh, Manish Pandey, and Andre Russell. He became the first Indian to get a four-wicket haul on his IPL debut match as he returned with the figures of 4/24 in the 3 overs that he bowled.

Best bowling figures on IPL debut match

6/12 - Alzarri Joseph (MI) vs SRH, 2019

5/17 - Andrew Tye (GL) vs RPS, 2017

4/11 - Shoaib Akhtar (KKR) vs DD, 2008

4/24 - Ashwani Kumar (MI) vs KKR, 2025*

Who is Ashwani Kumar?

Hailing from Mohali, Ashwani was picked by Mumbai Indians for INR 30 lakh in the IPL 2025 auction. He hogged the headlines for his impressive performances in the Sher-e-Punjab T20 tournament. He caught the attention of many with his ability to bowl in death.

Ashwani, who is just 23 years old, was part of Punjab Kings last year but he didn't get to play a single game. He made his debut for Punjab in the domestic circuit in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy in 2022 and played four matches. He took three wickets at an economy of 8.5 during the tournament.

Ashwani also has featured for Punjab in two First-Class matches and four List-A games. In all, he has picked 8 wickets for his team in 10 games that he has played across the formats. He now becomes another product from Mumbai Indians' factory, which has given a lot to Indian cricket.

While talking about his performance in his debut for Mumbai Indians, Ashwani Kumar said that he was under pressure, but the team environment helped him to settle.

He said: "I felt very good, there was pressure but the team environment helped me to settle down."

Also Read: Watch: Trent Boult demolishes 'bunny' Sunil Narine’s stumps in MI vs KKR clash