Ashwani Kumar is a player generating significant excitement as he prepares to debut for the Mumbai Indians in the IPL 2025 season. This 23-year-old left-arm seamer has made a name for himself through a remarkable journey in domestic cricket, characterized by his exceptional bowling skills and ability to stay composed under pressure.

Ashwani is particularly known for his diverse bowling techniques, including effective variations like cutters, slow bouncers, wide yorkers, and well-disguised full tosses. These skills make him an excellent fit for the fast-paced T20 format. His ability to deliver unanticipated deliveries, especially in the crucial death overs, makes him a valuable asset for any team. Notably, his reputation for handling intense scenarios has grown, marking him as a bowler who can perform when the stakes are high.

Initially, Ashwani’s talent remained somewhat under the radar until the launch of the Sher E Punjab T20 Trophy, where he had his breakthrough moment. A defining match in 2023, where he defended eight runs in the final over against Agri King’s Knights, showcased his nerves of steel. He managed to limit the runs and take a vital wicket, ultimately leading his team to a nail-biting three-run victory.

His impressive performances continued throughout the 2023 season, where he captured eight wickets in ten matches, often being the decisive factor in closely contested games. His standout ability caught the attention of selectors, earning him a place in the Agri King’s Knights for the 2024 season. During that tournament, he further strengthened his reputation by successfully defending 25 runs in a critical over against solid opposition.

Ashwani’s bowling skill set and mental toughness make him an exciting prospect for the Mumbai Indians. As he steps onto the field at Wankhede Stadium against the formidable Kolkata Knight Riders, all eyes will be on how he tackles the IPL’s challenges. His debut could potentially mark a significant chapter in his career, and cricket enthusiasts eagerly await his performance in this high-stakes environment.

Riyan Parag, the captain of the Rajasthan Royals, has been fined ₹12 lakh following a breach of the IPL’s Code of Conduct during the match against Chennai Super Kings on March 30. This penalty stems from the team’s slow over-rate, which is a violation of the league’s over-rate regulations.

The Indian Premier League (IPL) confirmed the fine in an official statement, saying, “Riyan Parag, Captain of the Rajasthan Royals, has been penalized after his team failed to maintain the required over-rate during Match 11 of the TATA IPL 2025 at the ACA Stadium in Guwahati on March 30.”

This infraction marks the first for the Rajasthan Royals this season under Article 2.22 of the IPL’s Code of Conduct concerning slow over-rate violations. The team had previously struggled, making this fine particularly notable as they aim to progress in the tournament.

In the match against CSK, the Rajasthan Royals finally broke their losing streak, clinching their first win of the season under Parag’s leadership. Batting first, the Royals scored 182 runs for 9 wickets, setting a challenging target. The Chennai Super Kings attempted to chase this down but were unsuccessful, falling short by six runs. Nitish Rana was the standout player, scoring an impressive 81 runs off just 36 deliveries, and subsequently being named Player of the Match.

Reflecting on his team’s performance, Riyan Parag expressed his relief and excitement: “It feels good. It’s been challenging with two tough games—chasing 280 in one match and then failing to defend 180 in another. Thankfully, we had some strong performances today, particularly from Nitish and myself. I just followed my instincts as a captain.”

The 2025 IPL season has seen crucial changes to its regulations regarding slow over-rates. The previous automatic one-match suspension for captains has been replaced by a demerit points system, as announced by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI).

Under the new framework, captains will face monetary penalties, typically around 25% of their match fees, and accumulate demerit points for infractions. These points remain active for 36 months, meaning repeated violations could lead to more severe punishments, highlighting the league’s commitment to enforcing its over-rate rules while allowing for some flexibility in governance.

Hardik Pandya, the captain of the Mumbai Indians (MI), has found himself in the spotlight after being fined ₹12 lakh for his team’s slow over rate during their recent clash against the Gujarat Titans (GT) in Ahmedabad. This match was part of the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 season and took place at the Narendra Modi Stadium on Saturday, March 29. The Mumbai Indians, who have a storied history as five-time champions, faced a tough challenge in this encounter, ultimately losing by 36 runs.

The IPL issued a statement the following day, confirming the penalty imposed on Pandya. It read, “Mumbai Indians captain Hardik Pandya has been fined after his team maintained a slow over rate during Match No. 9 of the TATA Indian Premier League 2025 against Gujarat Titans at the Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad.” The statement further clarified that as this was the team’s first offense of the season under Article 2.2 of the IPL’s Code of Conduct—pertaining to minimum over-rate offenses—Pandya was subject to this financial sanction.

In the match itself, Gujarat Titans managed to post a formidable total of 196 runs. The pitch in Ahmedabad, known for its black soil, presented a challenging environment for the chasing team. In response, the Mumbai Indians struggled significantly, finishing their innings at 160 for six, which reflected their difficulties in keeping up with the required run rate. This loss not only marked a setback for MI in this match but also highlighted their ongoing struggles, as it was their second consecutive defeat in the tournament, leaving them without a win thus far.

This incident raises questions about team dynamics and strategy, especially for a franchise as prestigious as the Mumbai Indians. With the season still in its early stages, there is hope among the fans and team management that they can turn their fortunes around in the upcoming matches. However, the fine serves as a reminder of the importance of maintaining over rates and adhering to the regulations established by the league. As they look forward, the Mumbai Indians will need to regroup and find ways to execute their strategies more effectively if they wish to reclaim their dominance in the IPL.