The 2025 IPL season features another thrilling match listed on the schedule as the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) face off against the Mumbai Indians (MI) in Match 16 held at the Ekana Cricket Stadium, Lucknow. The game might be decided by three players:

1. Nicholas Pooran (LSG)

This season has been a great one for the West Indies stumper-batsman. In just three matches, he has amassed 189 with a stunning strike rate of 220. He is very aggressive and also a great finisher, there by becoming indispensable for LSG. Pooran who played an efficient 67-run knock off 31 balls in the last game, has been their biggest weapon to set them on a winning path. His fight against MI’s bowlers will be a crucial one.

Also Read: Mumbai Indians Playing 11 vs Lucknow Super Giants IPL 2025 Match 16

2. Ashwani Kumar (MI)

Youthful bowler of Mumbai Indians, Ashwani Kumar, has taken everyone by surprise this season. The 23-year-old was fantastic in his debut IPL game against Kolkata Knight Riders, ending up with 4 wickets for 24 runs in just three overs. His natural speed, the swing, and the deceptive action have so far made him MI’s lead bowler. His skill, if maintained, would bring trouble to the LSG’s batting lineup, particularly in the powerplay.

Also Read: LSG VS MI : Match 16 Weather and Pitch Report – IPL 2025

3. Tilak Varma (MI)

Tilak Varma is the most stable batter for Mumbai Indians in the ongoing season of the league. In the last three games, his brilliant cushion of 45, 72, and 39 runs propelled the team to a strike rate above 150. The young lad’s ability to steer the innings and sometimes, if the need arises, to fire off a quickfire inning makes him one of the most valuable middle-order batsmen for MI. When faced with the ace bowlers of LSG, his anchoring role will be most needed.

Given that these three players are on top of their game, the LSG vs MI showdown will be quite exciting, full of runs and absolutely breathtaking.

Ashwani Kumar's IPL career also took a turn for the better when he got words of motivation from none other than Hardik Pandya. The young pacer, who made a sensational IPL 2025 debut with Mumbai Indians, had a warm moment which raised his confidence during a game.

Ashwani remembered being interviewed by Trivedi and mentioned a conversation he had with Hardik Pandya. "Hardik Pandya said to me, 'You're a Punjabi, and Punjabis don't get afraid, they make others afraid. It boosted my confidence,'" Trivedi quotes Ashwani. The words of the seasoned all-rounder deeply affected the young bowler, leaving him with a boost of confidence when he most needed it.

Hardik's message was not merely a praise but a word of reminder regarding the fearlessness that characterizes cricketers from Punjab, a region with a reputation of producing some of the most brilliant and bold cricketers of the game. For Ashwani, who had sweated it out hard to finally gain his entry in the IPL, to hear something so uplifting from a senior colleague was a booster for him for his capacity.

ALSO SEE: Ashwani Kumar’s Father Shares His Son’s Hard Work Before IPL Success

Ashwani's journey to IPL stardom was not without its share of struggles. He had faced innumerable struggles along the way, from financial difficulties to long practice commutes. But Hardik's words of encouragement helped him overcome any negative self-doubt, providing him with the inspiration to perform at the highest level.

With the booster in confidence, Ashwani went on to give a match-winning performance, picking up 4 wickets on his IPL debut against the Kolkata Knight Riders. His rags-to-riches tale is the ultimate symbol of the strength that is in positive motivation and how a well-timed word of advice by an experienced player can turn the life of a young cricketer around.

Ashwani Kumar's tale speaks of the need to have faith in oneself and the ability to bond with teammates to determine a player's career. Full of self-confidence, he will establish himself in the IPL, and who knows, perhaps set the stage alight for the future generation of Punjab cricketers too.

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.

ALSO SEE: From ‘Next Sachin’ to Local Leagues – Prithvi Shaw’s Unbelievable Downfall!

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.

Mumbai Indians vs Kolkata Knight Riders: Ashwani Kumar, another rising star of Indian cricket, scouted by Mumbai Indians, took 4 wickets against Kolkata Knight Riders at Wankhede Stadium on the evening of March 31. The young seamer claimed his very first IPL wicket on his debut ball for MI. 

Read More: https://www.cricketwinner.com/cricket-news/first-indian-to-take-4-wickets-on-ipl-debut-ashwin-kumar-makes-history/

First ball, first wicket for Mumbai Indians; history had been written when Kumar dismissed KKR skipper Ajinkya Rahane. Along with Rahane, Rinku Singh, Manish Pandey, and Andre Russell fall prey to the 23-year-old left-arm medium pacer. Crowds at the Wankhede stadium were on their feet when he completely fooled Russell to hit the stumps. A historic evening for Ashwani Kumar, a historic night for the Indian Premier League. 

But it was not the first time that a Mumbai Indians bowler cleared a batter on their debut match. According to the stats, before Kumar, there were 2 more MI bowlers who did wonders before. Kumar became the third bowler for the Mumbai Indians to take a wicket on IPL debut. Ali Murtaza and Alzarri Joseph bagged a wicket on their very first IPL delivery. 

Back in 2019, Alzarri Joseph had a fairytale beginning for the Mumbai Indians in his IPL career. He delivered a maiden and dismissed David Warner in his debut over. Ali Murtuza was the first MI bowler to achieve this all-time record. He dismissed Naman Ojha from Rajasthan Royals in his first IPL ball back in 2010. 

Mumbai Indians left-arm pacer Ashwani Kumar was the first Indian bowler to take a four-wicket haul on debut in the Indian Premier League. Left-arm seamer Ashwani Kumar made his IPL debut against Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) on Monday, March 31, and took 4/24.

The 23-year-old Punjab lad, who took the place of Satyanarayana Raju in the MI playing XI, fantastically began his IPL career. Ashwani bowled out KKR captain Ajinkya Rahane on his very first ball in the IPL, making him the fourth MI bowler to achieve the feat.

Following bowling one over of the powerplay, Ashwani was reintroduced to the attack to bowl the 11th over, and the seamer gave a fitting reply by taking two wickets.

Ashwani Kumar tattoo 🥵 pic.twitter.com/jEPfoIHAFI

— Out Of Context Cricket (@GemsOfCricket) March 31, 2025

𝗔𝘀𝗵𝘄𝗮𝗻𝗶 𝗞𝘂𝗺𝗮𝗿 – 𝗔 𝗙𝘂𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗲 𝗣𝗮𝗰𝗲 𝗦𝗲𝗻𝘀𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻?

A promising left-arm pacer making waves!
Consistency will be the key to his rise.
🇮🇳 Could he be India's next big weapon?
Or its too early to expect 🤷 🙄 #MIvKKR | #AshwaniKumar #KKRvsMI pic.twitter.com/RLBgOSvRfH

— Shivam Verma (@Shivam_Verma_98) March 31, 2025

Dream wicket for any player on his IPL debut. Ashwani Kumar my boy 💙pic.twitter.com/zDJf5GTtWv

— R A T N I S H (@LoyalSachinFan) March 31, 2025

Ashwani kumar to KKR batsmen's 😭pic.twitter.com/airVYXWnbK

— Reddii 🍁 (@RebelRiserr) March 31, 2025

ALSO SEE: What happen to Rinku Singh? It's been a long time since he played an explosive innings

Suhana Khan watching Ashwani Kumar bowling against KKR 😭 pic.twitter.com/gbk4F2zZBY

— Bruce Wayne (@_Bruce__007) March 31, 2025

Boult, Ashwani Kumar and Bumrah💀🔥 pic.twitter.com/8h4XLTTb84

— Homie (@homelander_yyy) March 31, 2025

Why is Hardik Pandya always jealous of another player's milestone?

He could have given another over to Ashwani to complete his 5 wicket haul but he didn't.

Pandya - Most Jealous player ever!!!#MIvsKKR #AshwaniKumar #HardikPandya pic.twitter.com/uq7jgz0AWS

— Namit Thadani (@thadani_namit) March 31, 2025

IPL debut one can only dream off and Ashwani Kumar is living his dream 💙 pic.twitter.com/b22aY4cKFR

— R A T N I S H (@LoyalSachinFan) March 31, 2025

Ashwani Kumar to KKR batters : pic.twitter.com/eUmfZQDlxh

— 𝘼𝙫𝙪𝙣𝙪 (@AvunuMawa) March 31, 2025

First Vignesh Puthur then Ashwani Kumar..

Management of Mumbai Indians be like :#MIvsKKR pic.twitter.com/DAGrcjixWF

— iconic (@iconic516) March 31, 2025

Ashwani Kumar is a future left-arm medium-fast bowler from Punjab, India. Ashwani was born on 29th August 2001 in Jhanjeri, Mohali, Punjab. Ashwani played his first game for Punjab during the 2019-20 Ranji Trophy. Ashwani has represented Punjab in numerous formats since then, such as the Vijay Hazare Trophy and the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy. Ashwani was purchased by the Mumbai Indians in the IPL 2025 auction for INR 30 lakh. With his ability to ball-swelling and generating bounce, he is considered a gem in limited-over cricket.

IPL Career:

The Indian Premier League (IPL) career of Ashwani Kumar has been one of incremental growth.

2021: Purchased by Mumbai Indians for ₹20 lakh.

2022-2025: Retained by Mumbai Indians with a raise in salary of ₹30 lakh per year.

ALSO READ: Ashwani Kumar IPL Debut with the Mumbai Indians vs Kolkata Knight Riders

You may note that as of today, Ashwani Kumar's official Facebook and X (formerly Twitter) presence is not present. It is recommended to follow his verified Instagram account for updates and learn more about his cricketing career.

The 23-year-old left-arm pacer Ashwani Kumar has made a dream debut in the IPL as he started his IPL career with a wicket by dismissing the Kolkata Knight Riders captain Ajinkya Rahane. 

Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai is hosting the 12th match of the IPL 2025, where the Mumbai Indians are hosting the defending champions Kolkata Knight Riders. After the hosts chose to field first, KKR had a poor start by losing both the openers in the first seven balls after scoring only one run. At the end of the powerplay, KKR scored 41/4. 

See Also: IPL 2025: Most wickets in the first over in IPL history

Ashwani Kumar dismissed Ajinkya Rahane on the first ball of his IPL debut

It was the fourth over of the match, where the IPL debutant Ashwani Kumar came to bowl his first over. While the KKR skipper Ajinkya Rahane was looking that over as an opportunity after a horrible start, young left-arm pacer Kumar surprised everyone by taking an important wicket of Rahane on his first ball of his IPL career. 

It was a full and wide outside the off delivery, which Rahane went for, but his connection only found the deep backward point fielder Tilak Varma. Varma almost messed up that chance as he failed to grab that properly on the first attempt, but brilliantly picked up on the second attempt, which was a tougher chance. Skipper Rahane returned to the pavilion after scoring 11 off seven balls with one four and one six, as KKR were struggling at 25/3.

Ashwani Kumar became the 15th bowler to record a wicket on the first ball on IPL debut. Meanwhile, he became the fourth Mumbai Indians bowler to pick up a wicket on the first ball on IPL debut. Despite Angkrish Raghuvanshi hitting him a six in his first IPL over, Kumar completed his first IPL over with one wicket and conceded eight runs. 

Mumbai Indians bowler picking wickets on the first ball on IPL debut

• Ali Murtaza dismissed Naman Ojha (Rajasthan Royals) in 2010
• Alzarri Joseph dismissed David Warner (Sunrisers Hyderabad) in 2019
• Dewald Brevis dismissed Virat Kohli (Royal Challengers Bangalore) in 2022
• Ashwani Kumar dismissed Ajinkya Rahane (Kolkata Knight Riders) in 2025