Mumbai Indians (MI) got their first win of IPL 2025 with a convincing eight-wicket victory over defending champions Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) at the Wankhede Stadium. This victory extended MI’s impressive record against KKR at this venue to 10-2. The hero of the day was none other than debutant Ashwani Kumar, whose sensational bowling performance set up the win. Ashwani Kumar's Record-Breaking Debut The 23-year-old Ashwani Kumar, who had played just four T20s prior to this match, produced the best bowling figures by an Indian on IPL debut – 4 for 24. His remarkable spell helped MI bundle out KKR for just 116 runs, a total that never looked competitive on a good batting surface. A Dream Day for Ashwani Nerves were naturally high for the young fast bowler when he was informed that he would be making his debut. Skipping lunch probably didn't help with the anxiety, but superstition might just make it a pre-match ritual from now on. Despite the nerves, Ashwani struck gold with his very first ball, dismissing KKR skipper Ajinkya Rahane. The dream spell continued as he accounted for dangerous hitters Rinku Singh and Andre Russell, proving his ability to handle high-pressure situations. A Bowler Hard to Line Up What made Ashwani stand out was his ability to control his length, making it hard for batters to line him up. His bowling action was orthodox, and his pace ranged from the early to mid-130 kph. Typically, bowlers in this range tend to be targeted in the IPL, but Ashwani defied expectations with his consistency and precision. His rise to prominence came from his stellar performances in the Sher-E-Punjab T20 trophy last year, where he demonstrated remarkable composure during the death overs. Although he didn’t bowl in that phase against KKR, his performance showcased his potential as a reliable option in crunch situations. Clinical Chase by MI After restricting KKR to a modest total, MI's batters made light work of the chase. Rohit Sharma and Ishan Kishan set the tone with a quick start, and Suryakumar Yadav finished things off with a flurry of boundaries. MI chased down the target with eight wickets in hand and plenty of overs to spare. Captain's Praise Captain Rohit Sharma was all praise for Ashwani after the match, calling his debut "extraordinary" and expressing confidence that the young pacer would become an asset for MI moving forward. "It's not easy to deliver like that on debut, but Ashwani showed great temperament and skill. We’re really proud of him," Rohit said. With this comprehensive victory, MI have now opened their account in IPL 2025, and Ashwani Kumar’s remarkable debut has given them a fresh boost in their campaign. Fans and pundits alike are already buzzing about the new star on the block! Ashwani Kumar's Deft Variations Outfox KKR Ashwani Kumar's sensational debut for Mumbai Indians (MI) became the talking point of the night as he scalped 4 for 24, showcasing not just raw pace but also a clever understanding of the game. His ability to vary his lengths under pressure caught even the most experienced batters off guard. Rinku Singh and Andre Russell Tamed Rinku Singh, who attempted to take on Ashwani, managed to hit him for a boundary by charging down the pitch. However, Ashwani responded by pulling his length back, resulting in Rinku mistiming a shot and getting caught at deep point. Andre Russell, one of the most feared hitters in the league, briefly threatened Ashwani by clearing his front leg and smashing a full delivery through the line. But Ashwani outwitted him, following up with a sharp bouncer that beat Russell completely before delivering a 140 kph pitched-up delivery that rattled the stumps. It was a combination of raw pace and intelligent variation that did the trick, proving that Ashwani could think on his feet and adapt to high-pressure situations. Boult Continues to Sparkle While Ashwani's heroics stole the show, it was Trent Boult who set the stage with his characteristic brilliance with the new ball. Boult, who has made a habit of striking in the first over, sent Sunil Narine’s stumps flying, making it his 30th first-over wicket in the IPL. At the other end, Deepak Chahar was equally impressive, targeting Quinton de Kock's strong zones with smart wide deliveries that kept the batter from freeing his arms. The plan paid off as de Kock was caught at mid-off, unable to generate the power he usually does over the leg side. KKR's Aggressive Approach Falls Flat Despite the early wickets, KKR continued to attack, recognizing that Wankhede Stadium is known for being chase-friendly. They attempted eight aggressive shots within the first four overs, some of which paid off, while others only contributed to the mounting pressure. Rinku Singh’s dismissal right after finding the boundary epitomized their reckless approach, especially with only Russell and Ramandeep Singh left as recognized batters. MI's Dominant Chase Mumbai Indians, chasing a modest total of 116, made it look effortless. Rohit Sharma and Ishan Kishan gave MI a solid start, and Suryakumar Yadav finished the game with his usual flair. It was a clinical all-round performance, and Ashwani Kumar’s debut will undoubtedly be remembered as one of the most impressive starts to an IPL career.