What Made MI Hand Ashwani Kumar His Debut? Hardik Pandya Reveals

Mumbai Indians (MI) yet again did it, handing a debut cap to 23-year-old Ashwani Kumar, who impressed one and all on his debut against Kolkata Knight Riders. The left-arm pacer struck on his very first delivery of the Indian Premier League (IPL), dismissing KKR skipper Ajinkya Rahane. 

The 23-year-old went on to inflict further damage when he dismissed KKR’s middle-order batter, Rinku Singh. But the prized scalp was later on, as the Punjab pacer removed Andre Russell with a corker, hitting the top of the off-stump, with figures of 4/24.

In the post-match presentation, MI skipper Hardik Pandya revealed what made the franchise give the youngster an IPL debut. 

“All MI scouts have gone all the places and picked these young kids. We played a practice game, and it looked like he had that zip and late swing, had a different action and plus, he is a leftie,” Hardik said in the post-match presentation. 

“This wicket just offered a bit more, and we thought Ashwani can come in and bowl the way he bowled. First of all, it's all because of the scouts. The way he took that wicket of Russell was a very crucial wicket. And especially, how he started with that catch of Quinton. Was great to see a fast bowler jumping that high.”

The soft-spoken 23-year-old revealed that it was a ‘proud’ moment for him to make his IPL debut for Mumbai, and reckoned that he would make his entire village proud with every game. Ashwani became the first Indian bowler in IPL history to pick up four wickets in his debut game, as the left-arm pacer showed his entire range. 

“It's a big deal for me to get this opportunity and be named Man of the Match. My native place is in the Mohali district. It has taken a lot of hard work, and by God's grace, I'm here. I have full confidence, but there's always nervousness before a game. Whatever opportunities I get, I will make people proud back home,” Ashwani said.