IPL 2025: Hardik Pandya was impressed with Ashwini Kumar’s performance, praised him a lot; told who discovered this bowler

Ashwini Kumar has made a great debut in IPL, he created history by taking 4 wickets in his debut match. In this match against KKR, he took a big wicket in the form of Ajinkya Rahane on his very first ball. He was chosen as the best player of the match for this historic performance. Mumbai Indians captain Hardik Pandya praised him a lot.

Hardik Pandya expressed happiness over the victory and said that the way we did well as a group and won is satisfying. Everyone contributed to the victory, nothing can be more joyful than this. Selecting a player is always a challenge. Our team is organized with the players we are supporting and the players we have.

Ashwini Kumar selected by MI scouts

Hardik Pandya said after the match, “We thought Ashwini Kumar can come (to this pitch) and bowl the way he is bowling. This is all the work of the scouts, they selected him. They went to all the places and selected these young players. We played a practice match in which he impressed. He was doing late swing, some off the wicket, a different action and he was a left-hander. We supported him and the way he took Russell’s wicket was a very important wicket, and the way he took de Kock’s catch was great to watch. When the ball goes in my favour, it feels good. There are a lot of young and experienced players in our team and I don’t have to worry much. It’s just the beginning but it’s a good sign that everyone contributed to the victory.”

Mumbai Indians bought Ashwini Kumar in the auction for IPL 2025 for Rs 30 lakh. Ashwini said after the match that he wants to make everyone feel proud of his form. He said during the innings break, “Everyone from my village must be watching this match. They were all waiting for my debut and by the grace of God I got a chance today and I performed well.”