After the IPL experience, Ashwani targets India cap

A young left-arm pacer from Punjab introduced himself to the cricketing world with a stunning debut in IPL 2025.

His very first delivery? A dream ball — swinging away late and drawing the edge of Ajinkya Rahane to have him caught at backward-point. Next came Rinku Singh, known for his brutal hitting, but the youngster unsettled the southpaw with a sharp bouncer that ended his stay.

Then entered Manish Pandey. An absolute peach of an inswinger trapped him plumb in front—two wickets in the same over.

But the best was yet to come.

Andre Russell—one of the most intimidating batters—was first pushed onto the backfoot with a short ball and then undone by a scorching yorker that uprooted the middle stump, leaving the Kolkata Knight Riders stunned.

In just three overs, Ashwani Kumar had made his mark. His final figures: 3-0-24-4.

Now playing for Punjab in the longer format in the Buchi Babu Tournament, the 23-year-old spoke to the media about his IPL stint and his ambitions for the forthcoming season.

“It all started during the Sher-E-Punjab tournament. Rahul Sanghvi sir, spotted me. Shortly after, I got a call for trials with the Mumbai Indians. The entire MI support staff was present— Kieron Pollard, Mahela Jayawardene (MJ), and everyone else. I think they liked what they saw, and that’s how I got picked,” said Ashwani.

“It was surreal. I still remember meeting Hardik (Pandya) bhaiyya and Rohit (Sharma) bhaiyya. They told me I would be bowling in the death overs and helped me prepare mentally. The message was clear: stay calm, back your skills.”

“When Trent Boult saw me bowling during the camp, he started calling me ‘Swingie’—that became my nickname for the whole tournament! I asked him questions about wrist position, swing control, and lengths. He was generous with his time and tips.”

“(Jasprit) Bumrah bhai was amazing. He taught me how to read the wicket and how to control the game from my end. He said there will be plenty of matches ahead and I’d eventually win games for my team—but I must remain balanced, both on and off the field.”

“The ultimate dream—to wear the India jersey and win matches for the country. That’s my biggest motivation and ambition,” he said.