Ashutosh Sharma’s stunning innings helped Delhi Capitals chase down a 200+ target for the first time in the last eight years. What makes him so special?
Delhi Capitals (DC) secured a thrilling one-wicket win over Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) in Visakhapatnam, and the hero of the night was Ashutosh Sharma. His unbeaten 66 off 31 balls not only turned the game in DC’s favour but also showcased his ability to handle pressure, calmness, calculation, plan a chase smartly, and finish with authority. Punjab Kings’ decision to release him ahead of the season is proving to be Delhi’s biggest gain, as the 26-year-old continues to impress in IPL 2025.
Confidence in Clearing the Rope at Will
One of the most striking aspects of Ashutosh’s innings was his confidence in his hitting ability. When DC needed six runs from the last over, he remained unfazed despite the tense situation. He trusted his power-hitting skills and finished the game in style with a six down the ground. Since his debut as an Impact player in the IPL 2024 season, Ashutosh has showcased an ability to clear the boundary at will, making him a valuable asset in the lower middle order.
Overcoming a Slow Start to Dominate
Ashutosh’s innings was a perfect example of adaptability. Early in his knock, he struggled to find his timing, scoring just 20 runs off his first 20 balls. But once he settled, he unleashed a brutal assault on the LSG bowlers, particularly in the final overs. His acceleration towards the end, including several big hits off pacers and spinners alike, changed the course of the match. Read More: IPL 2025, DC vs LSG, Hits & Flops: Delhi’s lower middle order snatch victory; Pant disappoints fans
An Impressive Range of Shots
What makes Ashutosh special is his wide array of strokes. Against LSG, he displayed power and innovation, effortless lofted drives down the ground instead of opting for powerful pulls, and cheeky scoops. His ability to play conventional, but powerful shots makes him difficult to bowl to, especially in the death overs.
Smart Calculation of the Run Chase
Beyond just power-hitting, Ashutosh showed remarkable game awareness. He rotated the strike effectively when required and picked his moments to attack. His partnership with Vipraj Nigam was crucial in DC’s comeback, and he ensured that the chase never got out of control. Unlike many finishers who rely purely on brute force, Ashutosh’s innings was a mix of aggression and calculation.
Read More: IPL 2024: Who is Ashutosh Sharma, All you need to know about him
Consistent Performances in Domestic Cricket
Ashutosh Sharma’s rise in IPL 2024 is not an overnight success; it’s a result of his strong performances in domestic cricket since the last IPL season. He amassed 164 runs in 5 innings at an average of 82.00, striking at an impressive 162.35. He hit two fifties in the tournament, with 50 off 22 balls against Pondicherry and 59 off 37 balls vs Chhattisgarh.
He has been a standout performer in domestic white-ball tournaments, consistently scoring crucial runs for Railways. His ability to finish games has been evident at the domestic level, and he has now translated that into IPL success.
Delhi’s Hidden Gem
With his ability to play fearless cricket, Ashutosh Sharma is proving to be one of the best finds of IPL 2024. Punjab Kings’ decision to release him might be haunting them now, but Delhi Capitals are reaping the rewards of his talent. As the tournament progresses, Ashutosh has the potential to become a game-changer for DC, strengthening their lower order and providing much-needed finishing firepower.
Read More: Who is MI’s Vignesh Puthur, the young left-arm wrist spinner from Kerala?
