Mumbai Indians' Ashwani Kumar Prepares for IPL Clash Against SRH

As the Mumbai Indians prepare for their upcoming IPL match against Sunrisers Hyderabad, fast bowler Ashwani Kumar reveals his eagerness to bowl with the new ball and the mental strategies he is learning from coach Lasith Malinga. Currently struggling in the league, MI aims to turn their season around against a formidable SRH team. Discover more about Ashwani's insights and the squads for both teams in this detailed preview.

By Narendra Chaudhary Apr 29, 2026, 02:04 IST

Mumbai Indians Gear Up for IPL Match

Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India] - On the eve of their Indian Premier League (IPL) match against Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH), Mumbai Indians fast bowler Ashwani Kumar expressed his readiness to take on the new ball if given the opportunity. He also highlighted the valuable guidance he is receiving from pace bowling coach Lasith Malinga.

Currently positioned ninth in the league with only two victories from seven matches, MI is eager to secure their third win of the season against a confident SRH team, which has emerged as a strong title contender, particularly with captain Pat Cummins returning to the squad after the last match against Rajasthan Royals (RR).

During a press conference, Ashwani, who has primarily bowled during the middle and death overs this season, commented on his potential role with the new ball, stating, “The bowlers are focusing on new ball techniques (like Bumrah and Boult). I am also learning from them. If I get the chance, I will bowl with the new ball.”

Regarding his training with Malinga, he mentioned that their work mainly revolves around the mental aspects of the game, as well as refining his yorker and slower deliveries. “Malinga also helps me mentally to manage pressure. We are enhancing my skills, particularly focusing on yorkers and slower balls,” he added.

Since his debut last year, Ashwani has played nine matches for MI, claiming 17 wickets at an impressive average of 17.24, including two four-wicket hauls.

Mumbai Indians Squad: Quinton de Kock(w), Danish Malewar, Suryakumar Yadav, Tilak Varma, Hardik Pandya(c), Naman Dhir, Sherfane Rutherford, Shardul Thakur, Krish Bhagat, Ashwani Kumar, Jasprit Bumrah, AM Ghazanfar, Raj Bawa, Will Jacks, Mayank Rawat, Rohit Sharma, Corbin Bosch, Deepak Chahar, Trent Boult, Ryan Rickelton, Raghu Sharma, Keshav Maharaj, Mayank Markande, Robin Minz, Mohammed Salahuddin Izhar

Sunrisers Hyderabad Squad: Travis Head, Abhishek Sharma, Ishan Kishan, Heinrich Klaasen, Salil Arora(w), Nitish Kumar Reddy, Aniket Verma, Pat Cummins(c), Shivang Kumar, Sakib Hussain, Praful Hinge, Eshan Malinga, Smaran Ravichandran, Liam Livingstone, Harsh Dubey, Harshal Patel, Kamindu Mendis, Jaydev Unadkat, Zeeshan Ansari, Shivam Mavi, Gerald Coetzee, Dilshan Madushanka, Krains Fuletra, Onkar Tarmale, Amit Kumar.