Ashwani Kumar was planted by Mumbai Indians (MI) at the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 mega auction after playing only four T20 matches in domestic cricket. The 23-year-old has had a stunning impact for a five-time champion in its first season in the Cash-Rich League, giving him a rich appreciation from fans as well as experts.
On Friday, 30 May, Eliminator, against the Gujarat Titans (GT) at Maharaja Yadvindra Singh International Cricket Stadium in Mulanpur, Ashwani came as a player in the second innings and played an important role in helping Mumbai to protect Mumbai on a bail of a Mumbai track. He took the wicket of Shah Rukh Khan, finishing with a 1/28 figure in 3.3 overs.
After the match, MI's head coach Mahela Jayawardene appreciated the Punjab bowler for every challenge thrown by the management.
“Ashwani is a great talent. In this season, he has handled every challenge that we have really thrown well. They have not played a lot of state cricket, but skills were clear when we saw them for the first time. We have given him simple plans to avoid confusion, and they have got strong support from players like Boom (Bumrah), Deepak, and Hardik.”
The former Sri Lankan captain said that Ashwani has been used collectively, against MI on the basis of opponents. Jayawardene vowed to prepare the young speedster properly.
“Even in the GT game even in the GT game when he came as a convention, and in the KKR game, he bowled brilliantly. We use him cleverly on the basis of the opposition, and he continues to learn. It's just the beginning – a lot to come from Ashwini, and we are committed to prepare him correctly,” he said.
Ashwani has calculated nine wickets so far from six matches at an average of 19.67. His best figures came against Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), when he took four wickets, scoring only 24 runs.
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