Ashwani Kumar excelled with the ball in Mumbai Indians' (MI) eight-wicket victory over Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 on Monday at Mumbai's Wankhede Stadium.

MI demolished KKR at the Wankhede Stadium, on Monday, bowling them out for 116 runs. While Trent Boult and Deepak Chahar removed the openers in the first two overs, Ashwani Kumar proved to be the real star.

He dismissed Ajinkya Rahane on the first ball he bowled on his IPL debut and then picked three more wickets those of Rinku Singh, Manish Pandey, and Andre Russell, to become the first Indian bowler to take a 4-fer on IPL debut. He finished with figures of 4/24.

In response, Rohit Sharma failed once again, getting out for 13 runs, but Ryan Rickelton (62*) and Suryakumar Yadav (27* in 9 balls) took MI to the win with 8 wickets in hand and 43 balls remaining.

After the game, MI captain Hardik Pandya awarded the child with the Dressing Room Best Bowler trophy.

“I think before in the huddle, we spoke about intensity, ruthlessness and what this MI badge means. I think he showed what this badge means and very proud of you," Hardik told Ashwani, while presenting him with a pin.

Ashwani thanked MI for the chance to perform, saying: “First of all, I and very grateful that I got an opportunity to play among such big names in the best team. And I will try my best to give my 100% in the coming matches and make the team win."

Here is the video:

Ashwani was also named the Player of the Match on his IPL debut. He said: “It is a big thing for me that I got this opportunity and that I am getting this award. Never thought about this, just did my process and happy (to get this award). I am from Jhanjheri in Mohali district – to come from there to here, that is the result of my hard work and by God’s grace, I am here.”