IPL 2024: Arshin Kulkarni Makes Unfortunate Debut with Golden Duck Against MI

Lucknow Super Giants’ all-rounder Arshin Kulkarni faced a bitter initiation into the Indian Premier League on Tuesday as he recorded a golden duck in his debut match as an opener against Mumbai Indians at the Ekana Cricket Stadium.

Kulkarni, who had been a part of India’s U-19 World Cup squad, took to the field for his first IPL innings amidst high anticipation but was dismissed without scoring a run in the opening over by a delivery from Nuwan Thushara at 137.9 kph.

The unfortunate dismissal marked Kulkarni as just the second player in IPL history to be out for a golden duck on his debut as an opener, following in the footsteps of English batsman Joe Denly who suffered a similar fate at Eden Gardens while playing for Kolkata Knight Riders in 2019.

Following Kulkarni’s early exit, the Lucknow Super Giants’ batting lineup regained momentum as skipper KL Rahul and Marcus Stoinis steadied the ship with a 58-run partnership in pursuit of the 145-run target set by Mumbai Indians.

Although MI’s star bowler Jasprit Bumrah attempted to apply pressure, it was Hardik Pandya who eventually broke the pivotal partnership by dismissing Rahul after a promising 28-run contribution.

Amidst a fluctuating chase, Stoinis maintained his aggressive approach at the crease, but it was Mohammad Nabi‘s experience that led to his downfall, creating a pathway for LSG’s victory.

Despite losing wickets in succession, Ashton Turner and Ayush Badoni, Nicholas Pooran‘s unbeaten presence served instrumental in securing Lucknow Super Giants’ sixth win of the season, propelling them to the third spot in the rankings with 12 points from 10 matches.

On the other hand, Mumbai Indians found themselves in a challenging position, remaining at the 9th spot with only six points garnered from 12 matches so far in the IPL 2024 season.