Ashwani Kumar: The Rising Star of Indian Cricket from Jhanjeri, Punjab

Indian cricket has always been blessed with raw talent emerging from small towns, and Ashwani Kumar is a perfect example. Born on August 29, 2001, in Jhanjeri, a quiet town in SAS Nagar, Punjab, Ashwani’s journey from dusty local grounds to the grand stage of the Indian Premier League (IPL) in 2025 is truly inspiring. In this article, we dive deep into Ashwani’s early life, cricket journey, family background, career achievements, and more.

Early Life and Background of Ashwani Kumar 

Ashwani Kumar was born into a middle-class Punjabi family. His father, Harkesh Kumar, was a pillar of support who stood by his son’s cricketing dreams until his last breath. Ashwani’s mother, Meena Devi, continued to support him after his father’s passing, playing a key role in keeping his dream alive.

Growing up in a modest household, Ashwani’s family didn’t have access to luxuries, but they never lacked love or encouragement. His father used to take him to cricket grounds and always told him to stay focused and disciplined.

Education and Schooling of Ashwani

Ashwani studied at the Government Senior Secondary School in Jhanjeri. While he was an average student, his heart always beat for cricket. After completing high school, Ashwani did not pursue higher education. Instead, he committed fully to cricket, attending local academies and playing in district-level matches.

Beginning of Cricket Journey

Ashwani’s love for cricket began at a very young age. He would play with friends in the streets of Jhanjeri and slowly moved on to playing with leather balls in local tournaments. His bowling skills—especially his natural left-arm fast-medium swing—caught the attention of coaches in Punjab.Ashwani started participating in district and state-level matches, showcasing speed, accuracy, and maturity beyond his age. His ability to move the ball both ways made him stand out among his peers.

Domestic Cricket Breakthrough

Ashwani’s breakthrough came when he was selected to play in Punjab’s U-19 team. His consistent performances earned him recognition, and he quickly moved through the ranks. Playing in domestic tournaments like the Vijay Hazare Trophy and Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, Ashwani impressed selectors with his pace and control. Many experts and coaches saw him as the next big thing in Indian fast bowling, especially because left-arm pacers are a rare asset.

IPL Debut in 2025

The biggest turning point in Ashwani’s career came in 2025 when he made his debut in the Indian Premier League (IPL). Picked by one of the top franchises, Ashwani grabbed the opportunity with both hands.

In his debut match, he bowled with great rhythm and picked up crucial wickets, earning praise from former cricketers and commentators. His fearless attitude, despite being a debutant, showed his mental strength and hunger for success.

Ashwani’s entry into the IPL not only brought him fame but also inspired many young cricketers from small towns who dream of making it big.

Playing Style and Strengths

Ashwani Kumar is known for his left-arm fast-medium bowling, which is both effective and rare. His major strengths include:

• Swinging the new ball both ways
• Bowling consistently at over 135 km/h
• Effective bouncers and yorkers
• Ability to handle pressure in big matches

His action is smooth, and his fitness levels are impressive, allowing him to bowl long spells without losing pace.

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Personal Life and Family

Despite achieving fame, Ashwani remains grounded. He still lives with his family in Punjab when not playing cricket. He often credits his late father, Harkesh Kumar, for shaping his career. His mother, Meena Devi, is his biggest cheerleader and emotional support system.

Ashwani also shares a close bond with his friends and childhood coach, who believed in his potential early on.

Social Media Presence

Ashwani Kumar is active on social media platforms, where he shares glimpses of his life—on and off the field. He has a growing fan base that admires his humility and dedication.

You can follow Ashwani on:

Instagram: @ashwani__rana33

He often shares motivational quotes, training clips, and interacts with fans through live sessions.

Net Worth and Endorsements

As of 2025, Ashwani Kumar’s estimated net worth is around ₹2 to ₹3 crore. Most of his earnings come from

• IPL contracts
• Domestic match fees
• Brand endorsements
• Sponsorships

With his rising fame, more brands are approaching him for promotions, especially in the sports and fitness sector.

Cricket Stats (As of May 2025)

• IPL Matches: 6
• Wickets: 10
• Best Bowling: 3/19
• Economy Rate: 7.6
• Domestic T20s: 22
• Wickets: 35
• Best Bowling: 4/21

These stats are just the beginning. With more experience, Ashwani is expected to perform even better.

Inspirational Story for Young Cricketers

Ashwani Kumar’s journey from the small lanes of Jhanjeri to IPL stadiums is truly motivational. It proves that with hard work, discipline, and family support, anyone can chase their dreams—no matter where they come from. He is now not just a cricketer but a role model for young players who want to rise from small towns and make a mark on the national and international stage.

Conclusion

Ashwani Kumar’s cricket journey is far from over. With his strong start in domestic cricket and the IPL, he is on the path to becoming one of India’s top fast bowlers. His dedication, grounded nature, and passion for cricket have already made him a fan favorite.Whether it's his bowling magic on the field or his inspiring story off the field, Ashwani Kumar is a name that we’ll hear more often in the coming years.