Hardik Pandya Says Ashwani Kumar 'Showed Us What Playing For The MI Badge Means' | Watch
Hardik Pandya presented Ashwani Kumar with the Mumbai Indians' 'Dressing Room Best Bowler Award'.
Ashwani Kumar starred with the ball in Mumbai Indian’s (MI) eight-wicket win over Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai on Monday.
After the match, the youngster was presented with the Dressing Room Best Bowler award by MI skipper Hardik Pandya.
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“I think before in the huddle, we spoke about intersity, ruthlessness and what this MI badge means. I think he showed what this badge means and very proud of you," Hardik told Ashwani, while presenting him with a pin.
Ashwani thanked MI for the chance to perform, saying: “First of all, I and very grateful that I got an opporutinty to play among such big names in the best team. And I will try my best to giv my 100% in the coming matches and make the team win."
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Ashwani claimed 4-24 on his IPL debut, bagging the best figures by an Indian bowler in his first match in the compeition. With the 23-year-old destroying the KKR middle order by claiming the wickets of Ajinkya Rahane, Rinku Singh, Manish Pandey and Andre Russell and Deepak Chahar bagging, MI bundled out KKR for 116 in 16.2 overs and then chased the target in double quick time with Ryan Rickelton smashing an unbeaten 62.
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Hardik Pandya said they realised Ashwani’s potential after he did well in an intra-team practice match.
“We played a practice game, he had that zip, that late swing, something off the wicket, a different action, and he was a leftie. We just backed him, and the way he took that wicket of Russell was a very crucial wicket, and how he started with the catch of de Kock, it was terrific to see (a fast bowler jumping up to take it)," said the Mumbai Indians skipper.
Ashwani also claimed a wicket on his first delivery in IPL, his maiden Player of the Match Award.
“It is a big thing for me that I got this opportunity and that I am getting this award. Never thought about this, just did my process and happy (to get this award). I am from Jhanjheri in Mohali district – to come from there to here, that is the result of my hard work and by God’s grace, I am here," said Ashwani.
(With inputs from Agencies)
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