Ashwani Kumar Shines as Mumbai Indians Advance in IPL Eliminator

In a gripping IPL Eliminator, Ashwani Kumar emerged as a key player for Mumbai Indians, stepping in as an impact substitute and delivering a stellar performance against Gujarat Titans. His strategic bowling helped MI secure a 20-run victory, allowing them to advance to Qualifier 2. With insights from coaches and a focused approach, Ashwani's contributions were pivotal in this high-stakes match. Read on to discover how Mumbai's young talent played a crucial role in their journey through the tournament.

By Narendra Chaudhary May 31, 2025, 13:11 IST

Mumbai Indians' Young Star Takes Center Stage

In a thrilling Eliminator match against Gujarat Titans in the 18th season of the Indian Premier League (IPL), Ashwani Kumar, a promising young talent from Mumbai Indians (MI), showcased his strategy on Mullanpur's flat pitch after being brought in as an impact substitute.

A Rising Star in the Spotlight

Ashwani, a left-arm fast bowler, has been recognized by MI scouts and has consistently demonstrated his value throughout the season.

Gujarat Titans Challenge Mumbai's Bowling

As MI aimed to defend a formidable score of 228/5, Gujarat Titans responded aggressively, reaching 106/2 at the halfway mark, putting pressure on MI's bowlers.

Strategic Move by MI's Captain

To regain control of the match, MI captain Hardik Pandya and the management made a crucial decision, introducing Ashwani Kumar as an impact substitute for veteran opener Rohit Sharma just before the 11th over, adding another pace option for the latter half of the innings.

Ashwani Kumar's Impact in a High-Stakes Game

The 23-year-old was immediately given the ball in the 12th over, effectively curbing Gujarat's boundary-hitting spree and saving 21 runs in the last three balls of the over after Richard Gleeson struggled to complete his.

Insights from Coaches Boost Performance

Ashwani revealed that discussions about using a spinner as an impact substitute were considered, but once he was selected, coaches Lasith Malinga and Paras Mhambrey provided him with crucial guidance to excel.

"The focus was on careful bowling. The pitch was flat, and we considered a spinner. However, I was chosen as the impact player, and Malinga sir and Paras (Mhambrey) sir offered me valuable strategies," Ashwani shared post-match.

Executing the Bowling Plan

Ashwani's hard work paid off when he caught Shahrukh Khan's shot, leading to a catch by Suryakumar Yadav at extra cover in the final over, finishing with impressive figures of 1/28 in 3.3 overs.

"I concentrated on my strategy and bowled to my strengths. My goal was to avoid wides or no-balls in the last three deliveries," he concluded.

Mumbai Indians Secure Spot in Qualifier 2

Mumbai's victory by 20 runs against the Titans was propelled by Rohit's explosive 81 runs and Hardik's finishing touches, bringing MI to a total of 228/6.

Despite a valiant effort from Sai Sudharsan, who scored 80 runs off 49 balls, Gujarat succumbed to the pressure, allowing MI to advance to Qualifier 2 against Punjab Kings on Sunday.