Ashwani Kumar, the 23-year-old fast bowler from Punjab was handed his Indian Premier League debut for the Mumbai Indians in the match against Kolkata Knight Riders in Wankhede on Monday. The left arm seamer garnered attention with his ability to bowl brilliantly in the slog overs and has plenty of variations in his kitty. In the 2025 mega auction, he was roped in by the Mumbai Indians for Rs 30 lakhs. He was also the leading wicket taker in the 2023 Sher-E-Punjab Trophy, helping his side win the silverware which caught the eyes of the MI scouts. Kumar was brought straight into the action when he completed a great catch to send back Kolkata opener Quinton de Kock off Deepak Chahar’s bowling in the 2nd over. Kumar also took a wicket off his first ever delivery when he sent back Kolkata Knight Riders captain Ajinkya Rahane in the 4th over. Story continues below this ad “Sporting a unique hairstyle, this left-arm pacer from Punjab is surely looking forward to kickstarting his stint with the most …