Ashwani Kumar has handled every task we’ve thrown at him very well: MI head coach, Mahela Jayawardene

Ashwani Kumar was selected by the Mumbai Indians (MI) in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 mega-auction despite just playing four T20 matches in local cricket. The 23-year-old has had an incredible impression for the five-time champions in his first season in the cash-rich league, garnering him high plaudits from both fans and analysts.

Ashwani came in as the Impact Player in the second innings of the Eliminator on Friday, May 30, against Gujarat Titans (GT) at the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium in Mullanpur, and helped Mumbai defend a 229-run target on a belter of a track. He captured Shahrukh Khan’s wicket and finished with statistics of 1/28 in 3.3 overs.

Following the match, MI head coach Mahela Jayawardene praised the Punjab spinner for responding to every challenge placed to him by the management.

“Ashwani Kumar is a fantastic talent.

This season, he has handled every challenge we’ve thrown at him admirably. He hasn’t played much state cricket, but his ability was evident when we first saw him. To avoid misunderstanding, we’ve given him clear plans, and guys like Boom (Bumrah), Deepak, and Hardik have given him their full backing. “What matters is execution under pressure, which he has done,” Jayawardene remarked in the post-match press conference.

The former Sri Lanka captain stated that Ashwani has been utilised tactically, depending on the opponents MI is facing. Jayawardene promised to continue nurturing the young speedster in the proper manner.

“He bowled brilliantly in both the GT game and the KKR game, despite coming on as a concussion substitute. We employ him tactically depending on the competition, and he continues to learn. This is only the beginning — there will be much more from Ashwini, and we are committed to training him properly,” he continued.

Ashwani has nine wickets from six matches, an average of 19.67. His best figures were against Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), when he took four wickets and conceded only 24 runs.