Ashwani Kumar: From Village Cricket to IPL Stardom
Mumbai, April 01, 2025 – Ashwani Kumar, the young medium-pace bowler for the Mumbai Indians, has taken the Indian Premier League (IPL) by storm with a record-breaking debut performance. His remarkable four-wicket haul against the defending champions, Kolkata Knight Riders, has quickly turned him into an overnight sensation.
A Dream Debut
In a match played at the Wankhede Stadium on Monday, Ashwani Kumar etched his name in IPL history. His figures of 3-0-24-4 were instrumental in dismissing Kolkata for a paltry 116, allowing Mumbai to secure an easy victory within just 13 overs. This feat made him the first Indian ever to claim four wickets on their IPL debut.
Humble Beginnings and Family Pride
Ashwani hails from Jhanjeri, a village in Punjab. Despite his sudden rise to fame, he remains grounded, retaining a fondness for simple pleasures like 'besan ka chilla' and 'aloo parathas'.
“He likes besan ka chilla and aloo parathas. He would be wanting that in Mumbai today,' his mother, Meena Kumari, shared with The Indian Express.
After receiving the Player of the Match award, Ashwani interacted with commentator Harsha Bhogle, expressing his nervousness and the sense of calm he found once he began bowling. In a heartfelt message to his family and friends back home, he stated, “Jab bhi game mila, mai mere gaon walon ko proud karvaunga (Whenever I get a game, I will make my village proud).'
The Road to the IPL
Ashwani’s journey to the IPL wasn't without its challenges. He had previously attended trials for the Chennai Super Kings, Kolkata Knight Riders, and Rajasthan Royals.
- Early Development: Coach Varinder Singh highlighted efforts to refine Ashwani’s bowling technique.
- Focus on improving his inswing.
- Development of yorker deliveries, practiced with Indian player Ramandeep Singh.
- Inspiration: Ashwani has openly expressed his admiration for renowned fast bowlers like Jasprit Bumrah and Mitchell Starc, aspiring to emulate their success.
- Community Support: His friends often pooled money to purchase cricket balls for him, demonstrating the strong community support he received.
Financial Contribution and Generosity
When Mumbai Indians selected Ashwani for Rs 30 lakh, his first act was to distribute cricket kits and balls to academies near his village, showcasing his commitment to nurturing young talent within his community.
Brief Playing Statistics:
- Senior T20s: 4
- List A Matches: 4
- Ranji Trophy Games: 2
Ashwani Kumar's debut signifies a new chapter in his career and underscores the potential for talent to emerge from unexpected corners of the country.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: How many wickets did Ashwani Kumar take on his IPL debut? A: Ashwani Kumar took four wickets.
Q: Which IPL team did Ashwani Kumar join? A: Ashwani Kumar plays for the Mumbai Indians.
Q: Where does Ashwani Kumar hail from? A: He is from Jhanjeri, a village in Punjab.
Q: What is Ashwani Kumar's favourite food? A: He enjoys 'besan ka chilla' and 'aloo parathas'.