India's uncapped Indian Ashwani Kumar etched his name in the record books by becoming the first player from the country to register a four-fer on his IPL debut. Ashwani went on to scalp the wickets of KKR skipper Ajinkya Rahane, Rinku Singh, Andre Russell and Manish Pandey. (Match Highlights | Report | Full Coverage)
Ashwani finished with bowling figures of three overs, 4/24. MI skipper Hardik Pandya credited the franchise scouts for unearthing fresh talent after Ashwani's performance.
"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 after the team's first win of the season.
"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 (Andre) 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," Pandya added.
Who Is Ashwani Kumar?
Ashwani Kumar was born in Mohali, from a town called Jhanjeri, near Chandigarh. He has previously represented Punjab in First-Class, List-A, and T20 cricket. He played just four senior T20 matches before making his grand IPL debut.
Ashwani has also played two Ranji Trophy matches and four List A games. His four in a single game bested his previous figures which came in a List A game (3/37) and (1/19) in T20s.
Ashwani's highlight moment was at the Sher-e-Punjab T20 tournament, in Punjab, where Ashwani grabbed the attention with his skilled bowling. Representing the BLV Blasters, Ashwani claimed his best figures of 4/36.
Ashwani was with the Punjab Kings last season but did not feature in their playing XI. In the mega auction, Mumbai Indians splashed INR 30 lakh for his services.
