IPL 2025, MI vs KKR, Hits & Flops: Ashwani Kumar’s 4-24 and Ryan Rickelton’s 62* power Mumbai Indians to victory over KKR. Mumbai move to 6th place. Here are the top hits and flops from the game.
Brief scores: KKR 116 (Angkrish Raghuvanshi 26, Ashwani Kumar 4/24) lost to MI 121/2 (Ryan Rickelton 62*, Andre Russell 2/35) by 8 wickets.
Mumbai Indians (MI) thrashed Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) by eight wickets to register their first victory of IPL 2025. MI achieved the target in 12.5 overs, with Ryan Rickelton smashing a half-century. Earlier, left-arm seamer Ashwani Kumar made a dream IPL debut, claiming 4/24, as Mumbai Indians’ pace attack dismantled defending champions for a mere 116 in 16.2 overs – the lowest total of the season so far. The left-arm pacer made history, becoming the first India bowler to claim a four-wicket haul on IPL debut.
Hits from MI vs KKR game
Ashwani Kumar shines among other MI pacers
Ashwani Kumar, a left-arm pacer for Mumbai Indians, had a memorable IPL debut, taking a wicket with his very first ball. The debutant dismissed Ajinkya Rahane on his very first IPL delivery before also removing Rinku Singh, Manish Pandey, and Andre Russell.
Besides him, the other pacers were brilliant in the early overs, bowling with great discipline and forcing KKR into playing poor shots. Their tight line and length led to a series of cheap wickets. The fielding was equally impressive, with Naman Dhir shining at deep mid-wicket, taking several key catches and holding firm.
Overall, it was a top-class performance with both ball and fielding, keeping KKR on the back foot throughout.
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Flops from MI vs KKR
KKR need more contribution from Rinku, Russell and Iyer
Rinku Singh(17), Andre Russell(5), and Venkatesh Iyer(3) have struggled to deliver for KKR. Rinku’s recent scores have been underwhelming, putting pressure on the middle and lower order. Russell, known for his big-hitting ability, hasn’t been able to finish games or accelerate the score when needed. Iyer, expected to anchor the innings, has failed to capitalise on key opportunities.
All three had chances to make an impact against MI, but they couldn’t seize the moment. Rinku got out early, Russell failed to fire in the final overs, and Iyer couldn’t find his rhythm. KKR need these players to step up and contribute consistently. They need them to click as a unit to avoid slipping further in the tournament.
Rohit Sharma’s diminishing returns with the bat
Rohit Sharma failed to fire again, getting dismissed for 13 runs off 12 balls. His recent struggles with the bat have raised concerns for Mumbai Indians. As the team’s key batter, his form is crucial, and his lack of consistency adds pressure on the squad.
In the three innings he has played so far for MI in IPL 2025, Rohit has scored 0, 8, and 13 runs—well below his usual standards. If he doesn’t find his rhythm soon, MI’s batting depth could become a major concern. His return to form will be vital for MI’s success moving forward.
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Conclusion
Mumbai Indians have climbed to the sixth position on the points table, while Kolkata Knight Riders have slipped to the bottom. KKR need their star batters to deliver if they hope to stay competitive in the tournament. On the other hand, MI will look to build on their momentum and continue their strong form as they push for more wins.
Top Twitter Reactions from MI vs KKR, Mumbai, Match 12, IPL 2025
Dream Debut for Ashwani Kumar. Looks deceptively sharp.
— Irfan Pathan (@IrfanPathan) March 31, 2025
The @mipaltan are back 👍
— Michael Vaughan (@MichaelVaughan) March 31, 2025
Nothing more dreary than a terribly one-sided T20 game. KKR never in the match from the first over itself! Important win for Mumbai though after losing their first two games
— Cricketwallah (@cricketwallah) March 31, 2025
I was bit surprised with the approach of KKR batters on a seaming track. With both KKR captain Rahane & coach Chandu Pandit from Bombay I felt on such a track their batters could have adopted % cricket which could have got them to 150.
— Makarand Waingankar (@wmakarand) March 31, 2025
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