Hardik Pandya’s Mumbai Indians (MI) played against Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in the 12th match of IPL 2025 on Monday, March 31. Led by Hardik Pandya, MI won the match by 8 wickets with 43 balls to spare at Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai.
Hardik Pandya Leads Mumbai Indians to Dominant Win Over KKR
Mumbai Indians chose to bowl first, and debutant Ashwani Kumar’s impressive 4-wicket haul, along with strong performances from the other bowlers, helped bowl out Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) for just 116 runs. With the bat, Ryan Rickelton played a brilliant half-century, and Suryakumar Yadav’s explosive innings guided MI to complete the chase in just 12.5 overs.
After the match, Mumbai Indians captain Hardik Pandya expressed his satisfaction with how the game unfolded. He said:
“Very satisfying to win, especially at home. The way we did it, as a group, everyone chipped in – can’t be happier. It’s always a challenge of picking one guy here and there.”
“With our team it’s pretty sorted with the players who we are backing. This wicket just offered a bit more and we thought Ashwani can come in and bowl the way he bowled.”
Hardik Pandya Hailed Ashwani Kumar For His Sensational Debut
Hardik Pandya praised Ashwani Kumar and credited the renowned MI scout team for discovering the young pace-bowling talent. He also expressed his happiness that many of the players contributed to MI’s performance. He said:
“First of all, it’s all because of the scouts. All MI scouts have gone all the places and picked these young kids. We played a practice game and it looked like he had that zip and late swing, had a different action and plus he is a leftie.”
“The way he took that wicket of Russell was a very crucial wicket. And especially, how he started with that catch of Quinton. Was great to see a fast bowler jumping that high. As I mentioned earlier, it’s a great sign for everyone to chip in and kick off the tournament for us.”
Ashwani Kumar Also Reacted To His Sensational Spell
During the mid-innings break, the 23-year-old thanked the team for creating an environment that helped him handle the pressure. In fact, the pressure was so intense that he only had a banana before the game, which was his only meal for the day.
“I am feeling very good. I was feeling pressure early on, but the team environment did not make me feel that way,” he shared.
“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,” he added.
He also shared the instructions given to him by captain Hardik Pandya, which turned out to be spot-on as he tore through KKR’s middle-order. He said:
“Hardik bhai told me to bowl short and to bowl at the body, and that led to a wicket. 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.”
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