Mumbai Indians Secure First IPL Win Against KKR

MUMBAI, India — The Mumbai Indians claimed their first victory of the IPL 2025 season on Monday, defeating the Kolkata Knight Riders by eight wickets at Wankhede Stadium. Opener Ryan Rickelton led the charge with an unbeaten 62 runs, while debutant Ashwani Kumar‘s impressive four-wicket haul played a crucial role in restricting KKR to 116 runs.

The match began with Hardik Pandya, captain of Mumbai Indians, winning the toss and opting to bowl first. Ashwani Kumar made an instant impact, capturing four wickets and becoming the first bowler in IPL history to secure a four-wicket haul on debut. His performance helped dismantle KKR’s batting line-up, which struggled to find any rhythm throughout their innings.

Trent Boult initiated the early breakthrough by bowling out opener Sunil Narine for a duck. The pressure intensified as KKR lost Quinton de Kock for just one run, caught by Kumar off Deepak Chahar‘s delivery. Venkatesh Iyer and Ajinkya Rahane soon followed, leaving KKR struggling at 41 for 4 during the powerplay.

“We knew we needed to make early inroads, and the team’s bowlers delivered,” Ashwani Kumar stated in a post-match interview. “It feels great to contribute to the team’s win on my debut.”

Kolkata’s middle order failed to consolidate as well, with captain Hardik Pandya claiming the wicket of Angkrish Raghuvanshi for 26 runs. Ashwani continued to wreak havoc, sending Rinku Singh and Manish Pandey back to the pavilion. KKR’s innings came to a halt at 116 in just 16.2 overs.

In reply, the Mumbai Indians ended their innings at 121 for 2, accomplishing the chase in 12.5 overs. Rickelton provided the necessary firepower with his swift 62 from 41 balls, which included several stylish boundaries and two sixes. He was well supported by Suryakumar Yadav, who remained unbeaten on 27, hitting a match-winning six to seal the victory.

“It’s a huge relief to finally get a win under our belt,” Rickelton said after the match. “The team showed great intent, and we hope to carry this momentum forward.”

Andre Russell emerged as KKR’s standout bowler, securing two wickets, but his efforts were insufficient to contain the rampaging Indian side. The win places Mumbai in a more favorable position in the league after a rocky start to the season.

The Mumbai Indians players celebrated their victory while Kolkata Knight Riders will need to regroup as they prepare for their next match.