‘Just Had A Banana’: Ashwini Kumar’s Hilarious Revelation After IPL Debut Four-Wicket Haul
Mumbai Indians’ young pacer, Ashwini Kumar, etched his name in the IPL history books after delivering a sensational four-wicket haul on his debut against the Kolkata Knight Riders in the Indian Premier League 2025 clash on Monday. His unexpected revelation about his pre-match meal added a touch of humor to an already impressive performance.
A Debut to Remember
Ashwini Kumar was introduced into the attack during the fourth over of the powerplay and immediately made an impact. His first ball resulted in the crucial wicket of KKR skipper Ajinkya Rahane. He then proceeded to dismiss Rinku Singh and Manish Pandey, capping off his spell with the prized wicket of Andre Russell. His figures of 4/25 played a vital role in Mumbai Indians’ convincing victory.
The Banana Diet
Speaking during the mid-innings break, the 23-year-old credited the team for fostering a supportive environment. However, he also shared a rather unusual detail about his pre-match preparations. “I am feeling very good. I was feeling pressure early on, but the team environment did not make me feel that way,' he shared.
He humorously explained, “I just had a banana because there was pressure, so I was not feeling very hungry. I had planned a little but they told me to enjoy myself on debut and bowl what I have been bowling.” This unexpected admission quickly went viral among fans and commentators alike, adding to the charm of his debut.
Captain's Guidance
Kumar also acknowledged the guidance he received from Mumbai Indians captain, Hardik Pandya. “Hardik bhai told me to bowl short and to bowl at the body, and that led to a wicket. In my village, everyone would be watching. They were just waiting for my debut, and by god’s grace, I got an opportunity tonight and did well.”
Match Summary
Ryan Rickelton's quickfire fifty ensured that Mumbai Indians won the match by 8 wickets with 7.1 overs to spare.
Key Highlights:
- Ashwini Kumar’s Debut: Four wickets for 25 runs.
- Pre-Match Meal: Only a banana due to pressure.
- Captain's Advice: Bowl short and at the body.
- Mumbai Indians Victory: Eight wickets with 7.1 overs to spare.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
- Who is Ashwini Kumar? He is a young pacer for the Mumbai Indians, making his IPL debut on April 1, 2025.
- What was Ashwini Kumar’s performance like on his debut? He took four wickets for 25 runs.
- Why did Ashwini Kumar only eat a banana before the match? He said he was feeling pressure and didn’t feel hungry.
- What advice did Hardik Pandya give Ashwini Kumar? Pandya advised him to bowl short and at the body.
- What was the final score of the match? Mumbai Indians won by 8 wickets with 7.1 overs to spare.