In a game that teetered on the edge until the final over, Delhi Capitals’ Ashutosh Sharma emerged as the unflappable hero, scripting a remarkable turnaround that stunned Lucknow Super Giants.
Chasing a steep 210, Ashutosh’s masterful knock, laced with composure and power, turned what seemed an improbable task into a memorable win for DC.
Walking in at 65 for 5 in the seventh over, Ashutosh faced a daunting scenario. The required run rate hovered around 10, wickets had tumbled, and the pressure was immense. But the 26-year-old approached the challenge with surgical precision. Known for his clean hitting since his debut season in 2024, he once again showcased his signature blend of elegance and brute force.
“I just follow the basics and believed in my ability. I was just following the process. I wanted to go deep as much as possible so that I could hit in the slog overs,” Ashutosh reflected after the match.
His calm was tested to the brink during the dramatic final over. Having brought the equation down to six runs off the last over with a six and four off the previous two balls, Ashutosh was left stranded at the non-striker’s end. It was No.11 Mohit Sharma who had to take strike against Shahbaz Ahmed, and the match momentarily slipped into chaos.
The first ball spun sharply past Mohit, who was dragged out of the crease, only for Rishabh Pant to miss a regulation stumping. A tense DRS review for LBW followed, only to confirm the ball was missing the stumps. Mohit somehow managed a desperate single off the next delivery, bringing Ashutosh back on strike. One ball later, he sealed the win with a towering hit.
“I was confident. It’s part of the game. Whether it’s an appeal or not a run… it wasn’t part of my batting, so I was confident that if he took a single, I would be able to hit a six,” Ashutosh said. “I really enjoyed my innings. My hard work paid off.”
Ashutosh credited his growth to lessons from last season and guidance from his mentor, Shikhar Dhawan. “Last year was really good but that’s history. I have taken the positives and worked on my weaknesses. The whole year I focussed and visualised finishing games,” he said. “Well played to Vipraj. I asked him to keep hitting. He was very calm under pressure. Want to dedicate this award to my mentor Shikhar paaji.”
In a game of narrow margins and nerve-racking moments, Ashutosh Sharma’s poise proved the difference, as he quietly reinforced his growing reputation as one of DC’s most dependable finishers.
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