“It’s all because of the scouts” - Hardik Pandya credits MI scouting system after Ashwani Kumar’s match-winning four-wicket haul vs KKR

Mumbai Indians captain Hardik Pandya has come out all praises for the debutant left-arm pacer Ashwani Kumar, who scalped a match-winning four-wicket haul against the defending champions Kolkata Knight Riders as MI secured an eight-wicket comfortable win.

Furthermore, Hardik credited the Mumbai Indians' scouting system for moving all over the country to help the franchise in roping in the best young talent. Notably, MI has unearthed talent like Jasprit Bumrah, Hardik Pandya, and many other players over the years.

The left-arm pacer Ashwani emerged as the first Indian bowler to scalp four wickets on IPL debut, restricting the opposition to 116 runs in 16.2 overs. His spell of 4/24 was the main reason behind MI’s eight-wicket comfortable win.

“Very satisfying to win, especially at home. The way we did it, as a group, everyone chipped in – can’t be happier. It’s always a challenge to pick one guy here and there. With our team it’s pretty sorted with the players who we are backing," Pandya said in the post-match presentation ceremony. 

“This wicket just offered a bit more and we thought Ashwani could come in and bowl the way he bowled. First of all, it’s all because of the scouts. All MI scouts have gone all the places and picked these young kids," Pandya added.

“We played a practice game and it looked like he had that zip and late swing. He had a different action and he is a leftie. The way he took that wicket of (Andre) Russell was a very crucial wicket. And especially, how he started with that catch of Quinton. It was great to see a fast bowler jumping that high," Pandya stated.

With this comprehensive win, Mumbai Indians surged to the sixth rank in the points table with KKR moving down to the last spot.

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