Ashutosh Sharma Optimistic About Delhi Capitals' IPL 2026 Campaign
Confidence in Team Dynamics
New Delhi, March 19: Ashutosh Sharma is filled with optimism as he prepares to represent the Delhi Capitals for a second consecutive season in the Indian Premier League (IPL), which kicks off on March 28. He believes that the team is 'well-balanced' and that every player is eager to showcase their skills on the field.
Pre-Season Preparations
Sharma expressed his confidence regarding the upcoming season, stating, 'We are very confident about the upcoming season. Our team is well-balanced. Everyone wants to win. We are going with a winning mentality. We want to play good cricket. We want to dominate.'
Discussing the team's pre-season training, he noted, 'We are preparing very well. Our camp has just started. We had 3-4 camps before. We are well prepared mentally as well. The team is well-balanced. Everyone is looking confident.'
Memorable Performance from Last Season
In the previous IPL season, Sharma made headlines with a remarkable performance, scoring an unbeaten 66 runs off just 31 balls as an Impact Player, leading the Capitals to a thrilling one-wicket victory against the Lucknow Super Giants. Chasing a target of 210, he hit five sixes and five fours, clinching the win with a six in the final over after the team faced a challenging 65/5 situation.
Reflecting on that match, the 27-year-old said, 'I was very confident. I was backing my ability. I was well prepared for that situation. I had seen a lot of situations like that in domestic cricket. I thought that I could win the match if I took the match deep, and I won the match.'
Upcoming Matches and Team Dynamics
The Delhi Capitals will commence their IPL 2026 journey with a match against LSG on April 1 in Lucknow. When asked about the toughest team in the league, Sharma remarked, 'IPL is the world’s best league. All teams are tough and equal. Every match is important. We have to win every match.'
On the subject of leadership, he praised captain Axar Patel, saying, 'Our captain is very cool. He doesn’t put pressure on us. Our coach is also very good. He tells us to express ourselves. He doesn’t put pressure on us. We handle the situation well.'
Sharma's Journey in IPL
After debuting in the IPL with the Punjab Kings in 2024 and joining the Delhi Capitals in 2025, Ashutosh has quickly established himself, amassing 393 runs in 24 matches at an impressive strike rate exceeding 180.
Discussing his role, Sharma stated, 'Finisher is a tough job. I enjoy playing under pressure. I always prepare for it.'
He also mentioned his close friendship with teammates Axar Patel and Kuldeep Yadav, saying, 'We talk a lot; I keep learning from them.'