‘I just had a banana’ – Debutant Ashwani Kumar opens up on ‘pressure’ before match with KKR

Ashwani Kumar, a rookie for the franchise Mumbai Indians (MI), is making waves for all the right reasons. In his first IPL 2025 match against the reigning champion Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in Mumbai’s Wankhede Stadium, the youthful bowler took four wickets.

The visitors were bowled out for just 116 runs in the first innings because of his outstanding efforts. The broadcasters spoke with the debutant after the innings break. The 23-year-old bowler Ashwani talked candidly about the team’s culture and the encouragement he got from everyone. Additionally, he disclosed that he was under “a little pressure” and hence did not have lunch.

“I was feeling fantastic. Earlier, there was some pressure, but I didn’t feel any because of the team’s atmosphere. I only had a banana for lunch instead of anything else. A small amount of pressure was present. “I didn’t feel hungry,” he remarked.

During the innings break, Ashwani Kumar informed the host broadcaster, “But still, I played well, so it’s good,”

“We had plans. However, MI captain Hardik Pandya advised having fun because it’s your first game. He went on, “Just keep bowling the way you have been.”

The Mumbai Indians win the 2025 IPL for the first time.

After dropping two straight games, MI won their first of the season. As he chased the low aim, Ryan Rickelton smashed a half-century, embracing the role of opener superbly. Will Jacks (16 off 17) and Rohit Sharma (13 off 12) were among the home team’s early dismissals, but Suryakumar Yadav (27* off 9) remained with Rickelton and won the match.

Rickelton blasted four boundaries and five maximums in his undefeated quick-fire innings of 62* runs off 41 balls. With only two wickets taken in the second innings, KKR’s bowling attack was a complete failure. Despite dismissing both batters, Andre Russell was costly, giving up 35 runs in 2.5 overs. MI gained two important points by finishing the run chase in just 12.5 overs.