'I just had a banana' - Debutant Ashwani Kumar opens up on 'pressure' before clash against KKR

Franchise Mumbai Indians' (MI) debutant Ashwani Kumar is in the headlines for all the right reasons. The young pacer claimed four wickets in his first IPL 2025 game against defending champions Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) at the Wankhede Stadium, in Mumbai.

Thanks to his magnificent efforts, the visitors were bowled out for just 116 runs in the first innings. After the innings break, the broadcasters had a conversation with the debutant. Ashwani, the 23-year-old bowler, opened up about the team's atmosphere and the support he received from everyone around him. He also revealed that he was under "a little pressure" and, as a result, skipped his lunch.

"I was feeling really good. There was a little pressure earlier, but thanks to the atmosphere of the team, I didn't feel any pressure. I didn't have anything for lunch; I just had a banana. There was a little pressure. I wasn't feeling hungry," he said. "But still, I played well, so it's good," Ashwani Kumar told the host broadcaster at the innings break.

"We had plans. But [Hardik Pandya, MI captain] said that since it's your debut match, enjoy yourself. Just keep bowling the way you have been," he further added.

Mumbai Indians secure first win of IPL 2025

MI secured their first victory of the season after losing two back-to-back games. Ryan Rickelton embraced the role of an opener perfectly, smashing a half-century while chasing the low target. The home team did lose a few early wickets in the form of Rohit Sharma (13 off 12) and Will Jacks (16 off 17), but Suryakumar Yadav (27* off 9) stayed with Rickelton and took the game home.

Rickelton played an unbeaten quick-fire innings of 62* runs off 41 balls, hitting four boundaries and five maximums. KKR's bowling attack failed massively, as they managed to pick up just two wickets in the second innings. Andre Russell dismissed both batters but proved expensive, conceding 35 runs in 2.5 overs. MI completed the run chase in just 12.5 overs, securing two valuable points.