Despite putting on a number of outstanding performances during the 2024 Indian Premier League (IPL) season, Ashutosh Sharma was abruptly released by Punjab Kings last October when the team released him prior to the major auction. However, he moved past the heartache and kept doing what he does best: see the ball, hit the ball, and win games.
Ashutosh, who has found a new home with the Delhi Capitals, reminded everyone of his batting prowess in Twenty20 cricket by delivering a memorable knock that helped Delhi defeat the Lucknow Super Giants by one wicket.
When Faf du Plessis was dismissed on 29 in his debut for the team, DC were down to 65/5 and facing defeat in their chase of 210. In his first appearance for Delhi as an impact substitute, Ashutosh spearheaded the effort to pull the team out of its losing position and chase down the remaining runs in Vizag with three balls to spare.
Ashutosh held his own despite needing 22 off the last two overs and hit the winning six with one wicket left. An elated Ashutosh dropped down on one knee and performed a "switch hit" sign for the team's recently announced mentor, Kevin Pietersen, after hitting the game-winning six. He then pointed repeatedly in the direction of the dugout to get his attention.
But after seeing the IPL classic, the legendary England player was ecstatic. He congratulated the evening's star after bursting into a joyous celebration and embracing the franchise members.
Even when every indication suggested that his attempts could fail, Ashutosh's "belief" in himself was the secret to persevering through to the very end. "I learned from the last year because there were a few games where I couldn't finish the game, so I have been focusing on finishing games, even in domestic cricket. I have a lot of belief in myself that if I play till the last over and the last ball, anything can happen," he said after winning the Player of the Match award.
"You just have to stay calm, believe, and think about what shots you can play that you have practised, so that's what I did today," he added.
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