Ashwani Kumar Retained by Mumbai Indians for IPL 2026: Mumbai Indians have continued their trust in young left-arm fast bowler Ashwani Kumar, retaining him for the IPL 2026 season after an impressive debut year in 2025. Known for his accuracy in the slog overs and his ability to deliver variations under pressure, Ashwani has steadily grown into one of MI’s most promising future prospects.
His calm temperament, fearless bowling attitude, and ability to handle death-overs responsibilities at a young age make him a valuable long-term asset for the franchise.
IPL 2026 Price & Team Details
IPL 2026 Contract Details
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Team | Mumbai Indians (MI) |
| IPL 2026 Status | Retained |
| IPL Debut | 2025 |
| Base Price in IPL 2025 | INR 30 Lakh |
| Specialization | Left-arm Fast Bowler |
| Date of Birth | 29 August 2001 |
| Age in 2026 | 24 years |
MI’s decision to retain him indicates confidence in his death-over skills and growing maturity.
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Who is Ashwani Kumar?
Ashwani Kumar is a left-arm fast bowler from Punjab who made waves with his control in the slog overs during his debut IPL season. His strong domestic performances and ability to swing the ball at pace made him an attractive buy for MI in 2025.
With seven IPL matches already under his belt, he has demonstrated composure in high-pressure phases and earned praise for his impactful spells.
Career Stats Summary (IPL)
IPL Bowling Stats (Career & Season-Wise)
| Year | Matches | Balls | Runs | Wickets | Best | Average | Economy | Strike Rate | 4W | 5W |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Career | 7 | 123 | 232 | 11 | 4/24 | 21.09 | 11.32 | 11.18 | 1 | 0 |
| 2025 Season | 7 | 123 | 232 | 11 | 4/24 | 21.09 | 11.32 | 11.18 | 1 | 0 |
IPL Batting & Fielding Stats
| Matches | Runs | HS | SR | 4s | 6s | Catches |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | 0 | 0 | – | 0 | 0 | 2 |
Ashwani is primarily a bowler and has not been required much with the bat.
Ashwani Kumar’s Last 10 IPL Bowling Performances (Most Recent First)
| Match | Opponent | Figures |
|---|---|---|
| Qualifier 2 | PBKS | 2/55 |
| Eliminator | GT | 1/28 |
| Match 69 | PBKS | 0/16 |
| Match 56 | GT | 2/28 |
| Match 38 | CSK | 1/42 |
| Match 16 | LSG | 1/39 |
| Match 12 | KKR | 4/24 |
His standout spell came against KKR where he delivered an exceptional 4/24, showcasing his wicket-taking ability and control.
Strengths & Playing Style
Key Strengths
- Deadly in Slog Overs: Known for yorkers, slower balls, and angle variation.
- Left-Arm Advantage: Natural angle troubles right-handers, valuable in powerplays and death overs.
- Fearless Mindset: Confident against set batters and executes plans under pressure.
- Variation Mastery: Mixes cutters, slower-bouncers, and wide yorkers effectively.
These attributes make him a vital asset for MI, especially in tight run-chases or high-scoring games.
Why Mumbai Indians Retained Ashwani Kumar for 2026
- Proven wicket-taking spells in debut season
- Reliability in the 16th–20th over segment
- Ability to rise in knockout matches
- Left-arm pace option adds balance to MI’s attack
- High long-term value at a young age
MI’s long-term planning includes developing young pacers, and Ashwani fits perfectly into that strategy.
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IPL 2026 Expectations
Ashwani Kumar is expected to gain more responsibility this season, potentially bowling two overs in the death regularly. With more match experience and growing confidence, he has the potential to become MI’s go-to bowler in crunch situations.
Conclusion
Ashwani Kumar’s rise from a young pacer from Punjab to a retained player for Mumbai Indians reflects his impressive progress in top-level cricket. His debut IPL season showcased skill, courage, and strong temperament — qualities MI values highly.
With consistent performances and mentorship from senior MI bowlers, Ashwani is on track to become one of the most impactful left-arm fast bowlers in the league.
