Ashwani Kumar, a promising left-arm fast bowler from Jhanjeri, Mohali, Punjab, has recently garnered attention with his remarkable debut in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025, representing the Mumbai Indians.
However, this is just the beginning as recently he proved that his dreams are big by reacting with a fire emoji on an Instagram post related to expensive houses of Indian cricketers.
Born on August 29, 2001, Ashwani’s cricketing journey began in domestic circuits, where he showcased his potential across various formats.
He made his first-class debut for Punjab in the Ranji Trophy on December 9, 2019, against Rajasthan. His List A debut followed on December 8, 2021, during the Vijay Hazare Trophy match against Rajasthan. In the T20 format, Ashwani debuted on October 30, 2022, facing Haryana in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy. Prior to joining the IPL, his domestic experience included two first-class matches, four List A games, and four T20 appearances.
The Mumbai Indians recognized Ashwani’s talent and acquired him for INR 30 lakh at the 2025 TATA IPL Auction. His ability to deliver effective performances during the death overs, combined with a repertoire of variations, made him a valuable addition to the team.
Ashwani’s IPL debut on March 31, 2025, against the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) was nothing short of spectacular. He struck with his very first delivery, dismissing KKR captain Ajinkya Rahane, and went on to claim the wickets of Rinku Singh, Manish Pandey, and Andre Russell. His final figures of 4 for 24 in three overs not only played a pivotal role in restricting KKR to 116 but also earned him the distinction of being the first Indian to take four wickets on IPL debut.
Ashwani Kumar’s journey from domestic cricket to making history in the IPL underscores his dedication and potential. As he continues to develop and gain experience, he is poised to become an integral part of the Mumbai Indians’ bowling attack in the ongoing season and beyond.
