Former RCB batter Mandeep Singh revealed that Mumbai Indians (MI) left-arm pace bowler Ashwani Kumar turned down a job opportunity last year to pursue his cricketing career as well. Ashwani was bought by MI at the IPL 2025 auction for ₹ 30 lakhs despite being relatively
unknown in the cricketing field as well. After missing out on selection in the side’s first two games of IPL 2025, he played against the KKR on March 31 and returned with the figures of 4 for 24 in just three overs as well.

Following the game, Mandeep said: “Ashwani comes from a very humble background, yet he regularly traveled to Mohali for practice. His determination was evident when he turned down a job opportunity in 2024 that would have provided financial stability but required him to leave Punjab. He [Ashwani] told me, ‘I am eager to fight on and play for Punjab. I don’t want to give up.’ His performances in Punjab’s domestic T20 league, Sher-E-Punjab, last year proved to be a turning point, as he impressed many with his death bowling and composure under pressure.”

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Talking to the broadcasters at the post-match presentation, Ashwani Kumar said (via ESPN Cricinfo): “It is a big thing for me that I got this opportunity and that I am getting this award. Never thought about this, just did my process and happy (to get this award). I am from Jhanjheri in Mohali district – to come from there to here, that is the result of my hard work and by god’s grace I am here. I was confident, but I was a little nervous as well, thinking about what will happen.”