Mumbai Indians skipper Hardik Pandya gushed over yet another find by his team’s scouting department as pace bowler Ashwani Kumar came up with the best IPL debut figures by an Indian paceman.
On Monday, 23-year-old Ashwani claimed 4-24 in three overs, to help bundle defending champions KKR out for 116 in 16.2 overs before Mumbai chased down the target for an eight-wicket victory to open their account in the tournament this year.
Highlights
Ashwani’s heroics followed Mumbai’s defeat at the hands of Chennai Super Kings in which spinner Vignesh Puthur took 3-32 on debut and Pandya was pleased with the latest discovery for his side.
That’s wonderful for that young kid — I’m really happy for him,” Pandya said.
“It was all the scouts, they chose him. They’ve gone to all the places and got the young kids. In a practice game, he had that zip, that late swing, something off the wicket, a different action, and he was a lefty.
Mumbai’s batsman Ryan Rickelton, who scored an undefeated 62 for the win, said Ashwani had set up the win with his Pace & Swing being deceptive.
“At first glance, people underestimate how fast he is. Rickelton, the South African who has played with him before, said, “He has all those qualities in spades and can swing the new ball.
I know it was quite hard, we had two specialist swing bowlers with the new ball too, but to have that second plan sans that swing factor was really pleasing. And also a bit impatient with you.
“He is a good introduction to the squad and the wicket can help him. Excited to see if he gets the opportunity for his other complement of skills to shine through”.