Who is Ashwani Kumar? All you need to know about Mumbai Indians left-arm pacer

Mumbai Indians’ scouting network has once again unearthed a promising talent in Ashwani Kumar, a 23-year-old left-arm pacer who made an impressive debut in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 season. His remarkable four-wicket haul against Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) at Wankhede Stadium has made him the talk of the cricketing world. 

Born and raised in Punjab, Ashwani Kumar’s journey in cricket began through the state’s domestic circuit. He made his debut in the Ranji Trophy, representing Punjab, and later appeared in the Vijay Hazare Trophy and Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy. However, his performances remained modest, with only a handful of wickets to his name.

In 2022, Ashwani played his last Ranji Trophy and Vijay Hazare Trophy matches. It wasn’t until the 2024 Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy that he started gaining recognition. Despite not making a significant mark in terms of statistics, his control over line and length, particularly his ability to bowl accurate yorkers, drew attention.

Mumbai Indians’ scouting and IPL entry

Mumbai Indians, known for their keen talent-spotting, noticed Ashwani during the Sher-E-Punjab Trophy. His ability to consistently deliver under pressure and his natural left-arm angle made him a valuable asset. The franchise secured him at the IPL 2025 Auction in Jeddah, although the purchase went largely unnoticed at the time.

However, that changed when Ashwani received his debut cap. He immediately impressed with his composure and skill, taking four crucial wickets and dismantling KKR’s batting lineup. His victims included star players like Ajinkya Rahane, Rinku Singh, Manish Pandey, and Andre Russell, marking an unforgettable debut.

Ashwani Kumar is a left-arm pacer with a knack for delivering wide yorkers, a skill highly valued in the death overs. His smooth bowling action and ability to maintain consistent pace make him a reliable option for any captain. His sharp cricketing mind and calm demeanor under pressure further enhance his effectiveness.

While his IPL debut was a breakthrough moment, cricket experts believe Ashwani has the potential to develop into a mainstay for Mumbai Indians. With mentorship from experienced bowlers like Trent Boult and Deepak Chahar, he is expected to sharpen his skills and become a vital part of the team’s bowling attack.

For Ashwani Kumar, the journey has just begun. With the IPL providing a global platform, his performances will be closely monitored by fans, selectors, and cricketing legends. If he continues on this trajectory, a call-up to the national team might not be far away.

Mumbai Indians’ faith in Ashwani has already paid off, and with his talent and determination, he could soon become one of the most celebrated left-arm pacers in Indian cricket.

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