In a crucial match against the defending champions Kolkata Knight Riders on Monday, the five-time champions Mumbai Indians gave Ashwani Kumar his IPL debut, and the left-arm pacer rose to the occasion. Aiming for their first victory of the season, Mumbai took a chance on Ashwani from Punjab, who made an immediate impact by taking a wicket with his very first delivery in the IPL. He concluded his impressive performance with four wickets in just three overs, leading to Kolkata Knight Riders being dismissed for a mere 116 runs.

The left-arm bowler was precise in his execution and managed to dismiss KKR captain Ajinkya Rahane when Hardik Pandya brought him into the bowling attack in the fourth over. He delivered a full-length ball outside the off stump, prompting Rahane to attempt a lofty shot to relieve the pressure, but he ended up finding Tilak Varma at deep backward point. Varma nearly dropped the catch but managed to secure it after a brief struggle.

With this achievement, Ashwani became the tenth bowler in IPL history to take a wicket with his first ball on debut.

Wicket on the first ball on IPL debut for MI

Alzarri Joseph vs SRH, 2019 (David Warner)

Ashwani Kumar vs KKR, 2025 (Ajinkya Rahane)

Best bowling figures for on IPL debut by an Indian

4/24 - Shadab Jakati (CSK) vs DD, 2009

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

4/29 - Paul Valthaty (KXIP) vs Deccan Chargers, 2011

Ashwani also grabbed the catch of Quinton de Kock an over before claiming his maiden IPL wicket. The KKR opener looked to play it over long-off but failed to find elevation and ended up getting caught inside a circle.

In his second spell, he ran riot once again and got the big wickets of Rinku Singh, Andre Russell and Manish Pandey to break KKR's back.

Live Score MI vs KKR IPL 2025 Updates

The 23-year-old fast bowler spent the previous year with the Punjab Kings but did not make an appearance in the playing XI. During the mega auction, the Mumbai Indians opted to acquire him, securing his services for INR 30 Lakh.

He made his T20 debut for Punjab in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy in the 2022 season. Prior to his IPL debut on Monday, he had limited experience, having played only four matches in which he took two wickets. Additionally, he represented Punjab in both First-Class cricket (two matches) and List A cricket (four matches).

Ashwini caught the eye of many during the Sher-e-Punjab T20 tournament, a local T20 competition in Punjab. While playing for the BLV Blasters, he emerged as one of the standout players, achieving his best bowling figures of 4/36.

In the meantime, Mumbai Indians captain Hardik Pandya won the toss and chose to bowl first, as the five-time champions aimed for their inaugural victory of the tournament.

"We're going to bowl first; it seems like a good pitch. Given the conditions at Wankhede, dew may or may not be a factor. There could be some early swing, and the pitch generally plays well, so we believe chasing is a favorable strategy. We want to establish a good rhythm and get off to a strong start. Overall, our goal is to play better cricket and maintain our composure. Will Jacks is returning, and we have a debutant - Ashwani Kumar," Hardik stated during the toss.

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