Mumbai Indians pacer Ashwani Kumar is the latest star to feature in this year's IPL 2025. In Monday's game against Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) at Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai Indians' Ashwani amazed everyone with a phenomenal debut by taking 4 wickets at just 24 runs in 3 overs. His performance involved sending KKR captain Ajinkya Rahane out on his very first ball. Not only did Ashwani enter stylishly, but he also made history as the first Indian player to take 4 wickets on IPL debut, a record which will live in the history of IPL.

But Ashwani's path to the IPL did not go as smoothly. His own path was starting with challenges and hurdles. He had tried for trials in 2020 with Kolkata Knight Riders but had not made it as he had injured his tennis elbow and was unable to play.Flash forward to 2025, and Ashwani's path to success playing for Mumbai Indians has been nothing less than inspiring.

A Journey Based on Sacrifices and Determination

Ashwani's life was spent in determination and grit. Born in Punjab, he had numerous hurdles to cross in order to pursue his dream of playing cricket. His older brother, Shiv Rana, explained that Ashwani's friends would collectively raise money to purchase him cricket balls to practice.His father, Harkesh Kumar, spoke fondly of the many sacrifices his son made to pursue cricket. "Rain or sunshine, hot or cold, Ashwani never ever had any doubt about going to PCA in Mohali," Harkesh said. "He would pedal his bicycle to the academy on some days or get lifts or ride-pooling autos. I would give him Rs 30 as fare, and when Mumbai Indians purchased him for Rs 30 lakh in the IPL auction, I knew his worth was every rupee."

Ashwani’s unwavering dedication to his craft was evident from a young age. He would travel long distances, sometimes cycling 11 kilometers, to practice at the Punjab Cricket Association (PCA) academy in Mohali. Despite the lack of resources, he never gave up on his dream.

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The Breakthrough Moment

Ashwani made his breakthrough in the Sher-e-Punjab T20 league, taking a good 4/36 for BLV Blasters. It caught the attention of scouts, and he was signed by Mumbai Indians in the IPL 2025 mega auction at INR 30 lakh.

Ashwani's brother Shiv spoke to an interviewer about how Ashwani's initial move after signing with MI was to give back to his community by donating cricket kits and balls to local academies. This was evidence of Ashwani's humility and willingness to encourage the next generation of cricketers.

A Testimony to Commitment

Harkesh, the father of Ashwani, spoke about how proud he felt about what Ashwani achieved. He had spoken about how Ashwani used to return home late nights and early in the morning as well to resume practice. "Whenever I used to take a wicket in today's practice, I could think about all those times that he would arrive home at 10 pm in the evening from practice and next morning wake up at 5 am to take practice," Harkesh said.

Ashwani Kumar's journey of rise from the streets of humble Punjab to the glitz and glory of the IPL inspires young cricketers all over the country. His journey affirms that great things can happen if one chooses not to lose hope on hard work, sacrifices, and keeping one's will strong not to abandon one's dreams. With his inaugural game, Ashwani has proved that this is only the start of what seems to be a spectacular IPL career.