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Ashutosh Sharma's guide to IPL success: MS Dhoni's 'secret', Shikhar Dhawan's mentorship and Kevin Pietersen's trust
Ashutosh Sharma has been the talk of the town ever since his blistering 66-run knock off 31 balls against Lucknow Super Giants in IPL 2025.
Ashutosh Sharma's rise in the IPL's popularity chart began last season when he played useful cameos for the Punjab Kings. The franchise, however, decided to release him. What was Punjab's loss, became Delhi Capitals' gain. DC picked up Ashutosh in the mega auction for INR 3.8 crore. The second season is generally considered the hardest for any breakaway cricketer. The surprise package no longer exists, and teams are better prepared to counter. But all it took for Ashutosh to bury the second-season ghost was one match.
In the very first match for Delhi Capitals in the 18th edition, the right-hander showed last year was no fluke. Ashutosh is here to stay. He took the Axar Patel-led side to an improbable victory against Lucknow Super Giants, helping the team chase down 210 despite being 65/5 at one stage.
The 26-year-old was slow to get off the blocks as he was 20 off 20 balls at one stage. However, in the last three overs, where he kept losing partners at the other end, Ashutosh came into his own, eventually remaining unbeaten on 66 off 31 balls, helping Delhi win the contest with one wicket in hand and three balls to spare.
After being awarded the Player of the Match Award, Ashutosh revealed how he constantly visualised finishing matches before the IPL started, indicating that he is a thorough professional who wants to improve with each passing day.
In a select media interaction on Friday, Ashutosh Sharma discussed his processes and how he prepared to unleash his best for the Delhi Capitals in IPL 2025.
"I did nothing specific (when asked whether he targeted one area to nail the finisher role). We have a long season, comprising the Ranji Trophy, Vijay Hazare Trophy and Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy. We practise during these tournaments only. Even the DC management arranged a pre-season camp for us. It was there that I worked on my skills. We also had a few practice matches. This has benefitted me a lot. The management has really looked after us, and the results are showing," said Ashutosh while replying to a Hindustan Times question during the JioStar - Delhi Capitals Press Room.
The Delhi Capitals' maverick hitter also explained how he had been practising range hitting even before the IPL began, which has enabled him to get the better of wide yorkers.
"I have practised a lot; whenever we get some free time, I give it 2-3 hours to practice my range hitting. This has helped me a lot. Everything requires precise practice, and I do this to get the better of wide yorkers as well," said Ashutosh.
"It all boils down to how much hard work you have been doing. There are many factors. But hard work is the biggest thing if you want to nail your shots against the wide-yorkers. When it came to my innings, I was just focusing on my process, and I wanted to take the game deep," he added.
Role of Shikhar Dhawan, Kevin Pietersen and MS Dhoni
After winning the match for Delhi Capitals, Ashutosh Sharma brought out the 'switch hit' celebration to honour the franchise's mentor, Kevin Pietersen. The former England captain joined Delhi before the 18th edition of the IPL. The batter revealed how Pietersen instilled confidence in him regarding finishing matches no matter how tough the situation is.
"In the match, I spoke to KP in the dugout. He told me to express myself. He asked me to have faith in my own abilities. I thought he trusted me so much and kept his belief in me, so I wanted to dedicate my celebration to him. He is such a legend. When we kept losing wickets, he kept telling me you can do it," said Ashutosh.
"I am really enjoying sharing the dugout with him. He has been helping a lot in the nets. He keeps giving his suggestions. He has been such a big player. He has played a lot at a high level. So obviously, it feels great to learn from him," he added.
Ashutosh also gave an insight into how his mentor, Shikhar Dhawan, helped him prepare better for the challenges he will face in his cricketing career. Ashutosh spent time with Shikhar when the duo represented Punjab Kings last year. After the win against Lucknow, Ashutosh dedicated the Player of the Match award to the India legend.
After the match between Delhi and Lucknow, Shikhar Dhawan even video-called Ashutosh to appreciate the youngster's performance.
"He is my mentor. Since last year, when we had a camp for Punjab Kings, I have been talking to him. Ever since then, he has helped me with a lot of things. He helped in the mental aspect of the game. He says every player has different skills, but the mindset and self-belief take you far. This has really helped me a lot. He was very happy with my performance. He always tells me to stay down to earth and humble," said Ashutosh.
Not many would know, but even MS Dhoni was impressed with Ashutosh's work last season. Not just this, the legendary India captain also had words of wisdom for the youngster, who is looking to make it big as a finisher.
"I spoke to MS Dhoni last season when we played against CSK. I asked him what goes on his mind when he goes to the middle to finish off games. He told me a lot of things," said Ashutosh.
When asked to name one thing MS Dhoni told him, Ashutosh remained tight-lipped to say, "It's a secret."
