Ashutosh Sharma Shines as Delhi Capitals Secure Thrilling IPL Victory
A Memorable Match in Visakhapatnam
In a gripping encounter in Visakhapatnam, Delhi Capitals' Ashutosh Sharma emerged as the match-winner, dedicating his Player of the Match accolade to "Shikhar paaji" after leading his team to a dramatic one-wicket victory over Lucknow Super Giants in the IPL 2025.
The Capitals faced a challenging situation at 65/5 while chasing a formidable target of 210 runs, but Ashutosh stepped up as an unexpected hero, showcasing his skills and determination.
As an impact substitute for Mukesh Kumar, the 26-year-old played a pivotal role, remaining unbeaten with a stellar 66 runs off 31 balls, hitting the winning six and thrilling cricket fans worldwide.
Ashutosh credited his self-belief as the driving force behind his performance, stating, "I learned from last year’s experiences where I couldn’t finish games. I focused on finishing, even in domestic matches. I believe that if I stay till the last over, anything can happen."
He emphasized the importance of staying calm and executing practiced shots, which proved crucial in this match.
DC's victory was not solely due to Ashutosh; the team benefited from several key partnerships and contributions, including a notable performance from 20-year-old debutant Vipraj Nigam, who scored a quick 39 runs off just 15 balls, aiding Ashutosh in his quest to finish the game.
Ashutosh praised Vipraj's innings, encouraging him to keep hitting as he found his rhythm, while also acknowledging the influence of his mentor, Shikhar Dhawan, from his time at Punjab Kings.
"I dedicate this man-of-the-match award to my mentor Shikhar paaji," Ashutosh concluded.