Ashutosh Sharma’s Electrifying Knock: A Tribute to Mentors Dhawan, Pietersen & MSD
Kolkata, March 28 (PTI) – A name that will be remembered for long after his blistering knock, Ashutosh Sharma, played an unforgettable innings of 66* off just 31 balls. With five towering sixes and as many boundaries, the young batter single-handedly powered Delhi Capitals to an incredible chase of 210 against Lucknow Super Giants, even when the team was reeling at 65/5 at one stage. The stadium roared, and the fans erupted, but amid all the celebrations, Ashutosh had only one person in his mind – Shikhar Dhawan.
Shikhar Dhawan: A Mentor Beyond the Game
For Ashutosh, cricket isn’t just about bat and ball—it’s also about the mindset, and one man who has significantly shaped his approach is none other than his former Punjab Kings captain, Shikhar Dhawan.
"He (Dhawan) was very happy with my knock. He always tells me to stay down to earth and humble. He hasn’t taught me much about skills, but his lessons on life, mindset, and approach to the game have changed my life a lot," Ashutosh shared emotionally after the match.
When Ashutosh first joined Punjab Kings, he found more than just a teammate in Dhawan—he found a mentor who taught him to keep a clear head, focus on the process, and trust his journey.
"He's kind of a mentor. Ever since our first camp in Punjab, he's been guiding me. That's when my journey started. After that, I worked on my mindset rather than just my skills. Everyone's skills are different, but your approach, how you carry yourself, how you manifest success—these are lessons that have transformed me," he added.
From Railways to Riches: The Rise of Ashutosh Sharma
The 26-year-old was picked by Delhi Capitals for a whopping INR 3.8 crore at the IPL mega auction—a dream leap for a player who has honed his game in domestic circuits. A railway cricketer by background, Ashutosh believes in one fundamental principle: "Stick to the process. If you focus on your work and follow the right process, results will come automatically." His dedication, clarity of thought, and work ethic were on full display in the breathtaking chase against LSG.
Kevin Pietersen’s Impact & the Special ‘Switch Hit’ Celebration
If there’s one person who inspired Ashutosh’s fearless approach in this IPL season, it’s Delhi Capitals’ mentor and legendary England batter, Kevin Pietersen. Throughout the game, Pietersen’s words kept ringing in Ashutosh’s ears—"You can do it, you can do it!"—and after sealing the match, he paid a special tribute to KP by celebrating with a ‘switch hit’ gesture.
"When the batting started, he was constantly motivating me. And I felt really good. So, I thought, let's finish this game and celebrate like KP!" he revealed with a grin.
Pietersen, who joined the franchise before IPL 2024, has been instrumental in sharpening the mental toughness of young batters like Ashutosh. "They (Dhawan and KP) tell me a lot of things—how to approach the game, their attitude towards it, and how to handle pressure situations. The key lesson I’ve learned is to remain calm in crunch moments and keep my head clear," he added.
Wisdom from MS Dhoni: A ‘Secret’ Chat with Captain Cool
If guidance from legends was a treasure, then Ashutosh has been blessed with an abundance of it! One of the most unforgettable moments of his career came when he had the chance to interact with the great MS Dhoni during a match against Chennai Super Kings last season.
"Yes, I did talk to him. When we had a match against CSK, I asked him about pressure situations, how he approaches his innings, what he thinks. He told me a lot of things... It’s a secret!" he said with a smile, keeping the mystery alive.
For Ashutosh, watching and learning from legends like Dhoni, Dhawan, and Pietersen has been a priceless experience. "You learn a lot from those legends. The way they approach the game, the way they put everything into it—it's inspiring. I feel very happy and grateful that I play with all of them," he added.
Hard Work Over Natural Ability: The Art of Six-Hitting
Range-hitting has been an integral part of Ashutosh’s training regime, and he has worked tirelessly on it to counter the most difficult deliveries in T20 cricket—especially wide yorkers.
"Yeah, I’ve practiced a lot for that. Whenever we don’t have a season or matches, I practice range-hitting for 2-3 hours. Alone in the center of the wicket, working with spinners and against the side cover—it helps me a lot," he revealed.
For many, hitting wide yorkers for sixes seems like an act of brute power, but Ashutosh insists that success in T20 cricket is all about preparation, not just physical attributes like height or muscle power. "No, it's nothing like that. It’s about how hard you work to play that ball. In practice sessions, how much effort do you put into mastering that shot? Hard work is the main thing for that shot," he concluded.
A Star in the Making
From his humble beginnings in domestic cricket to making headlines in the IPL, Ashutosh Sharma’s journey is a testament to grit, patience, and learning from the best. With mentors like Shikhar Dhawan, Kevin Pietersen, and a one-time chat with MS Dhoni, the young gun is steadily shaping up into a future star.
Delhi Capitals have found a new finisher, and if this knock was any indication, Indian cricket might have just unearthed its next big sensation. With a strong mindset, a never-give-up attitude, and a hunger to learn, Ashutosh Sharma is here to stay, and his journey has only just begun!
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