Visakhapatnam, March 24, 2025 – The Dr YS Rajasekhara Reddy ACA-VDCA Cricket Stadium was still buzzing with excitement as Ashutosh Sharma, the explosive middle-order batter for Delhi Capitals (DC), stepped up to the podium for a post-match press conference following a nail-biting one-wicket victory over Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) in Match 4 of the TATA Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025.
Sharma, who emerged as the hero of the night with an unbeaten 66 off 31 balls, shared insights into his mindset, the game-changing moments, and his journey as DC’s newest finisher.
A Miracle Chase in Visakhapatnam
The match itself was nothing short of a rollercoaster. LSG posted a formidable 209/8, powered by blistering knocks from Nicholas Pooran (75 off 30) and Mitchell Marsh (72 off 36).
DC’s chase started disastrously, crumbling to 65/5 in the seventh over. Enter Ashutosh Sharma, the Impact Player substitute, who turned the tide with a fearless display of power-hitting.
Alongside debutant Vipraj Nigam (39 off 15), Sharma stitched together a match-defining 55-run partnership in just 19 balls, dragging DC back from the brink of defeat.
With 6 runs needed off the final over, Sharma sealed the deal with a towering six off Shahbaz Ahmed, finishing unbeaten on 66 and sending the Vizag crowd into a frenzy.
His knock, studded with five fours and five sixes, earned him the Player of the Match award and cemented his reputation as a clutch performer.
Press Conference Highlights: Confidence, Mentorship, and Finishing Instincts
Addressing the media, Ashutosh Sharma radiated confidence and humility in equal measure. Reflecting on his match-winning performance, he emphasized the importance of self-belief.
“I learned from last year because there were a few games where I couldn’t finish for Punjab Kings. This time, I focused on staying till the end. I told myself, if I’m there till the last over, anything can happen,” Sharma said, referencing his IPL 2024 stint where his cameos often fell short of victory.
Sharma also credited his partnership with Vipraj Nigam as a turning point. “Vipraj played brilliantly. I told him to keep going if he was connecting well. His 39 off 15 gave me the platform to finish it off. I just stayed calm and didn’t overthink,” he explained.
Nigam’s fearless hitting, especially against Ravi Bishnoi and Shahbaz Ahmed, kept DC in the hunt when all seemed lost.
Perhaps the most heartfelt moment came when Sharma dedicated his Player of the Match award to his mentor, Shikhar Dhawan, affectionately calling him “Shikhar paaji.”
Having played under Dhawan’s captaincy at Punjab Kings in IPL 2024, Sharma acknowledged the veteran’s influence. “I want to dedicate this award to Shikhar paaji. He’s guided me a lot, and this is for him,” he said, sparking applause from the press room.
From Punjab Kings to Delhi Capitals: A Star in the Making
Ashutosh Sharma’s journey to IPL stardom has been anything but conventional.
The 26-year-old from Madhya Pradesh first grabbed headlines in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy 2023, smashing the fastest fifty by an Indian in T20 cricket off just 11 balls.
His IPL 2024 season with Punjab Kings saw him score 189 runs in 11 matches at a strike rate of 167.25, showcasing his potential as a finisher. Delhi Capitals swooped in at the IPL 2025 auction, securing him for INR 3.8 crore, a move that paid instant dividends in Match 4.
His performance against LSG wasn’t just about brute force; it was a masterclass in composure under pressure.
Starting cautiously at 19 off 19, Sharma shifted gears to plunder 47 runs off his last 12 balls, a transformation that left LSG captain Rishabh Pant shell-shocked.
Pant, making his debut as LSG skipper, endured a forgettable night, scoring a six-ball duck and watching his team squander a winning position.
What’s Next for Ashutosh and DC?
Sharma’s heroics have set the tone for Delhi Capitals’ IPL 2025 campaign.
With a batting lineup featuring the likes of KL Rahul, Faf du Plessis, and Axar Patel, and a bowling attack led by Mitchell Starc and Kuldeep Yadav, DC look poised to challenge for the title.
Sharma’s ability to finish games could be the X-factor they’ve been missing in recent seasons.
As for Sharma, he’s keeping his feet on the ground. “I just want to keep believing in myself and help the team win more games. That’s all I’m thinking about,” he concluded, leaving the press conference with the same quiet determination that defined his match-winning knock.
The IPL 2025 season is only four matches old, but Ashutosh Sharma has already given fans a taste of what’s to come.
If this performance is any indication, Delhi Capitals may have found their next big star—and the league, a new fan favorite.
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