Chawla Hails Ashwani’s Brilliant Show Against KKR on IPL Debut

Mumbai: After Mumbai Indians’ pacer Ashwani Kumar’s impressive four-wicket haul against Kolkata Knight Riders, former India spinner Piyush Chawla was full of praise for the debutant, highlighting the difficulty of making such an impact at Wankhede Stadium in the debut match and said despite limited first-class experience, the youngster’s performance was an incredible achievement.

The 23-year-old left-arm pacer who made his IPL debut for MI on Monday after playing only four T20 matches on the domestic circuit. He struck with his first ball in the tournament, dismissing KKR’s captain Ajinkya Rahane, before picking up the wickets of Manish Pandey, Rinku Singh and Andre Russell to become the first Indian to take a four-wicket haul (4-24) on IPL debut.

With his scintillating show that led MI to their first win of the season, Kumar bagged his maiden Player of the Match award.

“The way he came in, it’s never easy to make such a strong debut, especially at Wankhede, which is known as a batting paradise. Getting a wicket with the very first ball gives any bowler immense confidence. After that, he bowled with great control, varying his lengths effectively. His dismissal of Andre Russell was particularly impressive—he set it up beautifully.

“He bowled a couple of bouncers when Russell walked in, making him expect the short ball, and then smartly pitched one up to get him out. For a debutant who hasn’t played much first-class cricket, coming in at this level and delivering such a spell is an incredible achievement,” Chawla said on JioHotstar.

While Ashwani blazed past the KKR batting department to bowl out the visitors to 116 in 16.2 overs, Rickelton’s smooth half-century was just the icing on the top for the hosts as the South African’s unbeaten 62 off 41 balls ensured MI chased down 117 with ease in just 12.5 overs. (IANS)

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