‘The way Ashwani Kumar...’: Hardik Pandya praises debutant pacer for turning MI vs KKR match in their favour

Mumbai Indians (MI) captain Hardik Pandya was more than happy with his team’s first win in the IPL 2025, which came against Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) at the iconic Wankhede Stadium on March 31.During post-match presentation, Hardik Pandya praised MI’s all-round show, putting special light on the joint effort that led the team towards victory. He specifically highlighted the selection of Ashwani Kumar, crediting MI’s scout network for recognising his talent.

“Very satisfying to win, especially at home. The way we did it, as a group, everyone chipped in – can’t be happier. It’s always a challenge of picking one guy here and there.



With our team it’s pretty sorted with the players who we are backing. This wicket just offered a bit more and we thought Ashwani can come in and bowl the way he bowled. First of all, it’s all because of the scouts.

All MI scouts have gone all the places and picked these young kids,” Pandya said in the post-match interview.Pandya praised Ashwani’s bowling, revealing that the important wickets he took were the match-turning point for MI. The 23-year-old pacer from Punjab made a dream debut as he took four wickets in the first match of world’s most cash-rich league.

During his spell of 4/24. Ashwani secured wickets of Ajinkya Rahane, Rinku Singh, Manish Pandey and Andre Russell. Hardik stated that the way Ashwani took the wicket of Russell was very important for the team.

“We played a practice game and it looked like he had that zip and late swing, had a different action and plus he is a leftie. The way he took that wicket of Russell was a very crucial wicket. And especially, how he started with that catch of Quinton.

Was great to see a fast bowler jumping that high. As I mentioned earlier, it’s a great sign for everyone to chip in and kick of the tournament for us,” he further said.Mumbai Indians will now face Lucknow Super Giants on April 4 whereas Kolkata Knight Riders have their clash against Sunrisers hHyderabad on April 3.

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’: Hardik Pandya praises debutant pacer for turning MI vs KKR match in their favour appeared first on Cricket Country..