NEW DELHI: Mumbai Indians' latest debutant, 23-year-old left-arm pacer Ashwani Kumar, had a dream start to his IPL career, dismantling Kolkata Knight Riders with a stunning 4-wicket haul at the Wankhede Stadium on Monday. However, nerves got the better of him before the game — so much so that he barely ate before stepping onto the field.
"I am feeling very good. I was feeling pressure early on but the team environment did not make me feel that way. I just had a banana because there was pressure, so I was not feeling very hungry. I had planned a little but they told me to enjoy myself on debut and bowl what I have been bowling," Ashwani revealed in a mid-innings interview.
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Ashwani became the first Indian bowler to take four wickets on IPL debut, finishing with figures of 4 for 24 in three overs. His spell played a crucial role in bundling out KKR for 116 in 16.2 overs.
He made an immediate impact, dismissing KKR skipper Ajinkya Rahane with his first-ever IPL delivery. His control and variations proved too much for the opposition, as he later dismissed Manish Pandey, Andre Russell and Rinku Singh.
“Hardik bhai told me to bowl short and to bowl at the body and that led to a wicket.," Ashwani credited Mumbai Indians' captain Hardik Pandya for the dismissal of Russell.
"In my village, everyone would be watching. They were just waiting for my debut, and by god's grace, I got an opportunity tonight and did well" he added, beaming with pride.
Monday marked the first time in his career that Ashwani had taken four wickets in a match. His previous best was 3/37 in List A cricket and 1/19 in T20s.
