Ashwani Kumar’s IPL 2025 Dream: From Borrowing Rs 30 to Mumbai Indians Star
Ashwani Kumar: From Borrowing Rs 30 to Shining for Mumbai Indians in IPL
Mumbai Indians have unearthed a new fast-bowling sensation in Ashwani Kumar, who took the Indian Premier League (IPL) by storm on his debut on Monday, April 1, 2025. Playing against Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) at Wankhede Stadium, the young pacer from Jhanjheri, Mohali, delivered a breathtaking spell, claiming 4 wickets for just 24 runs in three overs. His fiery performance dismantled KKR’s batting lineup, restricting them to a mere 116 runs and paving the way for a dominant Mumbai Indians victory. Snapped up for Rs 30 lakh at the IPL auction, Ashwani’s rise to this moment is a testament to perseverance, sacrifice, and relentless hard work.
Ashwani’s father, Harkesh Kumar, shared his son’s extraordinary journey with The Indian Express. He revealed that Ashwani’s passion for cricket knew no bounds—neither the scorching sun nor pouring rain could keep him from practice. “He would make his way to the PCA academy in Mohali or the new stadium in Mullanpur by any means necessary—cycling, hitching rides, or squeezing into shared autos,” Harkesh recalled. “I used to give him Rs 30 for the ride. When Mumbai Indians signed him for Rs 30 lakh, it felt like destiny. Watching him shine today took me back to those grueling days when he’d train till 10 PM, only to wake up at 5 AM and do it all over again.”
Before his breakthrough, Ashwani had trials with teams like Chennai Super Kings (CSK), Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), and Rajasthan Royals (RR), but none picked him. Undeterred, he kept pushing forward, drawing inspiration from fast-bowling greats Jasprit Bumrah and Mitchell Starc. Now, in IPL 2025, he finds himself stepping into Bumrah’s shoes at Mumbai Indians—a poetic twist of fate!
His elder brother, Shiv Rana, highlighted Ashwani’s humility and gratitude. “There were times when his friends pooled money to buy him cricket balls because he couldn’t afford them. The first thing he did after Mumbai Indians signed him was donate cricket kits and balls to academies near our village. He always dreamed of wearing a jersey with his name on it. Now, soon enough, kids will be wearing his jersey!”
Ashwani’s phenomenal debut earned him the Player of the Match award. Back home, his mother beamed with pride. “He loves besan ka chilla and aloo paratha. After such a memorable performance, I’m sure he’s craving them in Mumbai right now,” she said with a smile.
From borrowing Rs 30 for an auto to setting the IPL ablaze, Ashwani Kumar’s journey is a powerful saga of grit, passion, and unwavering determination. At just his base price of Rs 30 lakh, he is already proving to be an invaluable asset for Mumbai Indians. Brace yourself, IPL—the rise of this pace sensation has only just begun!