“Even 40 year old Faf was shocked by Ashutosh’s power!” KC’s youngster showed his youth against LSG|

Lucknow: IPL has produced another new hero, Ashutosh Sharma! Playing for Delhi Capitals (DC) against Lucknow Suer Giants (LSG), this 25 year old surprised everyone by playing an explosive innings of 58 runs (33 balls). So much so that even an experienced player like Faf du Plessis was impressed by watching his batting!

Special Mention by Faf du Plessis

“I have watched cricket all over the world, but I am amazed to see the power of Indian players. The pitch today was not easy.. but Ashutosh and Vipraj showed by hitting boundaries that there is no dearth of talent!”

Ashutosh’s Redemption Arc

Last Season (PBKS):

189 runs in 103 balls

Took the team close 3 times, but could not finish

Most emotional: GT vs PBKS (200 chase) played for 18.5 overs, got out and watched the defeat from the dugout

This Season (DC):

“Learned from last year: we have to finish!”

Domestic cricket in practice: “I used to visualize how I would finish the matches”
Against LSG, 31 needed off 12 balls – hit 3 sixes to take the match to the last over

Last Over Drama!

10 runs needed off 3 balls
Mohit Sharma was almost stumped but saved (lucky deflection)
Ashutosh hit a six on the last ball to give DC a win by 1!

Youngster’s Winning Mindset

“I have faith in myself, play till the last ball, anything can happen”

“Try the same shots that I play in net practice in the match”
Stay cool even at the non-striker end… if I get a single, I have to hit a six!

Experts’ Reaction:

“This boy is the finisher of the future!” Harsha Bhogle
“IPL needs such young talents” Irfan Pathan