Rookies Ashwani and Rickelton guide MI to their maiden victory

Ashwani and Rickelton Power Mumbai Indians to First Win of IPL 2025

Mumbai Indians 121 for 2 (Rickelton 62, Russell 2-35) beat Kolkata Knight Riders 116 (Raghuvanshi 26, Ashwani 4-24, Chahar 2-19) by eight wickets*

Mumbai Indians (MI) opened their account in IPL 2025 with a dominant eight-wicket win over defending champions Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), improving their head-to-head record at Wankhede Stadium to 10-2. The standout performer was debutant Ashwani Kumar, whose sensational 4 for 24 set a new record for the best bowling figures by an Indian on IPL debut.

Ashwani’s Debut Dream

At just 23 years old and with only four T20s under his belt, Ashwani was understandably nervous heading into the game. So much so, he skipped lunch. But the nerves quickly turned to triumph as he struck with his very first delivery, dismissing KKR captain Ajinkya Rahane. He didn’t stop there, later removing the dangerous Rinku Singh and Andre Russell in a display of skill and composure under pressure.

What made Ashwani especially effective was his deceptively orthodox bowling style. Bowling consistently in the low-to-mid 130s kph, he defied expectations in a league where such bowlers often get hammered. KKR batters struggled to line him up, a testament to his smart variations in length and pace.

Ashwani rose to prominence in the Sher-E-Punjab T20 Trophy, particularly for his control in the death overs. Although he wasn’t called on to bowl at the death this time, his awareness and execution under pressure showed why he’s a name to watch.

Rinku Singh was undone by a change in length, caught at deep point after trying to capitalize on a boundary. Russell, after briefly asserting himself, was first rattled by a bouncer, then cleaned up by a 140kph delivery that came in full and quick. Ashwani’s sense of timing and adjustment to the batter’s intent was exceptional.

Boult’s First-Over Magic Continues

While Ashwani stole the headlines, he built on a platform laid by MI’s experienced new-ball duo. Trent Boult struck for the 30th time in the first over of an IPL match, bowling Sunil Narine. Deepak Chahar complemented him from the other end, removing Quinton de Kock with smart lines that denied the left-hander his favorite scoring zones.

Despite early setbacks, KKR tried to maintain an aggressive approach, aware that Wankhede is a high-scoring venue. But their intent backfired, especially with a thin batting line-up. Rinku’s dismissal shortly after a boundary was a turning point, leaving only Russell and Ramandeep Singh as recognised batters with more than half the innings left.

Rickelton Finds His Rhythm

Chasing a modest target of 117, Ryan Rickelton had a jittery start. He was beaten four times in a row, got his first boundary via an inside edge, and a top edge brought him his first six. It looked like he was in for a rough outing, but once he found his rhythm, he played with confidence.

A mistimed delivery from Harshit Rana gave Rickelton the release he needed, and from there, he grew into the innings. He reached his half-century with a six off Sunil Narine and remained unbeaten on 62, steering MI home alongside Suryakumar Yadav, who finished the chase with a six.

One concern for MI, though, is Rohit Sharma’s continued poor form—he managed just 13 before falling again, raising more questions about his rhythm with the bat.

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