NEW DELHI: Mumbai Indians’ young left-arm pacer Ashwani Kumar made an unforgettable IPL debut against Kolkata Knight Riders on Sunday, delivering a record-breaking performance at the Wankhede Stadium. Kumar’s sensational 4 for 24 helped MI bundle out KKR for just 116 in 16.2 overs — the lowest total in this IPL season.
The 23-year-old from a town called Jhanjeri, near Chandigarh, became the first Indian to take four wickets on an IPL debut, etching his name in the history books. He joins an elite list of bowlers with standout performances on their first IPL outing, including Alzarri Joseph (6/12) and Andrew Tye (5/17).
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Ashwani struck with his very first ball in the IPL, dismissing KKR captain Ajinkya Rahane. His spell, complemented by Deepak Chahar’s 2 for 19, dismantled KKR’s batting lineup, with Angkrish Raghuvanshi top-scoring for them with 26 off 16 balls.
Reflecting on his debut, an elated Ashwani said, “I felt very good, there was pressure but the team environment helped me to settle down. I didn’t have lunch today, I only ate a banana, there was some pressure so I didn’t feel hungry. The captain, Hardik bhai, told me to bowl it into the wicket and back my skills. Everyone back in my village will be watching me play, and I’m very happy.”
With just four senior T20 matches, two Ranji Trophy, and four List A games under his belt before this, Ashwani’s impact on debut signals a bright future ahead for the young pacer and Mumbai Indians.
Ashwani Kumar with Mumbai Indians head coach Mahela Jayawardene at a practice session.
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*
- 4/26 – Kevon Cooper (RR) vs KXIP, 2012
- 4/33 – David Wiese (RCB) vs MI, 2015
Get the latest IPL 2025 updates on Times of India, including match schedules, team squads, points table and IPL live score for CSK, MI, RCB, KKR, SRH, LSG, DC, GT, PBKS, and RR. Don’t miss the list of players in the race for IPL Orange Cap and IPL Purple cap.