The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 continues to deliver gripping drama both on and off the field. Monday night’s clash between Mumbai Indians (MI) and Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) witnessed a stellar debut from Ashwani Kumar, a young left-arm pacer from Punjab, who seized the spotlight with a remarkable performance.
Ashwani Kumar’s Dream Debut
Hailing from the small town of Jhanjeri near Chandigarh, Ashwani Kumar’s journey to IPL glory is a testament to hard work and perseverance. Despite facing setbacks due to injuries and intense competition within the Punjab domestic circuit, Ashwani’s commitment never wavered.
On Monday, playing on a seamer-friendly track at Wankhede Stadium, Ashwani delivered a record-breaking spell, taking 4 wickets for 24 runs, the best-ever IPL debut performance by an Indian bowler. His victims included renowned names like Ajinkya Rahane, Rinku Singh, Manish Pandey, and Andre Russell. This performance helped Mumbai Indians secure an eight-wicket win over KKR.
Struggles and Persistence
Ashwani’s journey has been anything but smooth. His first-class debut for Punjab in December 2019 was underwhelming, and his career was plagued by injuries. Yet, he persisted, training rigorously and waiting patiently for his chance.
As former India pacer Siddarth Kaul noted, Ashwani’s resilience was impressive. Kaul, who presented Ashwani with his debut cap for Punjab, remained in touch with him throughout his struggles. “Whenever he would speak to me, he would stay positive. I used to tell him: ‘Just wait. There’ll be a day when the whole world will see your talent,’ and that day finally came,” Kaul stated.
Why Ashwani Kumar Stands Out
According to Wasim Jaffer, Punjab’s head coach, Ashwani’s ability to take a wicket off his very first IPL delivery made a tremendous difference. “Dismissing Ajinkya Rahane on your debut delivery is a massive confidence booster,” Jaffer remarked.
Ashwani’s natural pace, consistency, and ability to bowl variations such as bouncers and yorkers have impressed many. However, coaches agree that he needs to improve his in-coming delivery to truly excel at higher levels of cricket.
Support from IPL Legends
Playing for Mumbai Indians offers Ashwani the privilege of learning from some of the finest bowling talents. With legends like Jasprit Bumrah, Trent Boult, and Lasith Malinga as part of MI’s setup, Ashwani has access to valuable mentorship.
“MI has done well to scout him; they’ve followed him for a long time. With the right guidance, he can become a great bowler,” Jaffer added.
Looking Ahead: Potential for National Call-Up
Siddarth Kaul believes Ashwani needs to focus on performing consistently in domestic cricket and not just rely on IPL success. Drawing parallels to Arshdeep Singh, Kaul advised Ashwani to work on refining his skills and maintaining his hunger for improvement.
“I want him to become like Arshdeep…a dependable performer in the long run. The IPL is a big platform, but consistent performances in domestic cricket will shape him into a top-class bowler,” Kaul emphasized.
The Road to Glory
Ashwani Kumar’s IPL debut is a promising start, but as several experts pointed out, consistency will be the key. With his raw talent and the guidance of seasoned mentors, Ashwani has the potential to carve a niche for himself, both in the IPL and beyond.
As Mumbai Indians continue their IPL 2025 campaign, all eyes will be on the young pacer to see how he builds on his phenomenal debut.
