Mumbai, April 1 — Mumbai Indians' new pace sensation, Ashwani Kumar, announced his arrival in style by becoming the first Indian to claim four wickets on IPL debut, leading MI to a dominant eight-wicket victory over Kolkata Knight Riders at the Wankhede Stadium.
The unheralded left-arm seamer from Punjab returned impressive figures of 4/24, dismantling KKR’s batting order and helping MI climb to the sixth spot on the points table.
“He's a lot quicker than I think people recognise at first — that’s a great attribute he has. He can swing the new ball and rushes you even when it seems like he’s bowling from a lower height,” Rickelton said in the post-match press interaction.
The South African wicketkeeper-batter believes the pitch conditions will continue to suit Ashwani and added, “He’s a great addition to the group. I’m looking forward to seeing him with the new ball and watching his other skills unfold.”
Rickelton, who has faced Ashwani in MI’s warm-up games and net sessions, shared, “He executed his plan really well. The group is really happy for him — it’s great to see a young player grab the opportunity and deliver a match-winning performance.”
“Ashwani is a very talented cricketer. The IPL has a legacy of unearthing such young talent, and his performance today is proof of that,” Ramandeep remarked.
“Honestly, it was a massive relief. The first two games were tough on tricky wickets. But once I got past Spencer Johnson’s spell, it was really pleasing to get a score,” Rickelton said.
“It’s a different beast. The pressure here is intense — both internally and externally. Every ground is unique, and the standard is incredibly high,” he said.
Reflecting on the expectations, he added, “You watch on TV and see 260 being scored, but the reality is very different. It’s hard, I’m not going to lie. I’m just trying to adjust my game and help the team.”
The unheralded left-arm seamer from Punjab returned impressive figures of 4/24, dismantling KKR’s batting order and helping MI climb to the sixth spot on the points table.
“Quicker Than He Looks”: Rickelton Applauds Ashwani
Ryan Rickelton, who also played a starring role with an unbeaten 62, heaped praise on the young bowler.“He's a lot quicker than I think people recognise at first — that’s a great attribute he has. He can swing the new ball and rushes you even when it seems like he’s bowling from a lower height,” Rickelton said in the post-match press interaction.
The South African wicketkeeper-batter believes the pitch conditions will continue to suit Ashwani and added, “He’s a great addition to the group. I’m looking forward to seeing him with the new ball and watching his other skills unfold.”
A Meteoric Rise with Minimal Experience
Before his IPL debut, Ashwani Kumar had played only four senior T20 matches, four List A games, and two Ranji Trophy outings. Despite the limited experience, he impressed both teammates and opponents with his control and execution.Rickelton, who has faced Ashwani in MI’s warm-up games and net sessions, shared, “He executed his plan really well. The group is really happy for him — it’s great to see a young player grab the opportunity and deliver a match-winning performance.”
Peer Praise: Ramandeep Singh Calls Him “A Talented Cricketer”
KKR’s Ramandeep Singh, also from Punjab and a fellow trainee at the same academy, acknowledged Ashwani’s potential.“Ashwani is a very talented cricketer. The IPL has a legacy of unearthing such young talent, and his performance today is proof of that,” Ramandeep remarked.
Rickelton’s Relief with First IPL Fifty
While Ashwani stole the spotlight with the ball, Rickelton made his own mark with the bat, scoring an unbeaten 62 off 41 balls, including five sixes and four boundaries.“Honestly, it was a massive relief. The first two games were tough on tricky wickets. But once I got past Spencer Johnson’s spell, it was really pleasing to get a score,” Rickelton said.
IPL Experience and the Pressure That Comes With It
Having previously represented MI Cape Town in SA20, Rickelton found his IPL transition smoother but noted the mental demands of the tournament.“It’s a different beast. The pressure here is intense — both internally and externally. Every ground is unique, and the standard is incredibly high,” he said.
Reflecting on the expectations, he added, “You watch on TV and see 260 being scored, but the reality is very different. It’s hard, I’m not going to lie. I’m just trying to adjust my game and help the team.”
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