Ashutosh Sharma, the rising sensation of Delhi Capitals, recently revealed that he received priceless batting advice from the legendary MS Dhoni, but he chose to keep the details under wraps. The revelation has only added to the intrigue surrounding the young cricketer, as he had an opportunity to interact with one of the greatest minds in cricket during his stint with Punjab Kings last season. This conversation took place after a match against Chennai Super Kings in the Indian Premier League (IPL), where Ashutosh seized the moment to seek Dhoni’s wisdom on batting strategies and handling pressure situations.
In an interview with PTI, Ashutosh spoke at length about the profound impact of senior players on his game. He acknowledged learning a great deal from Shikhar Dhawan, who has been a mentor figure for him, and he emphasized how much he values Dhoni’s insights. However, when asked about the specifics of their conversation, he remained tight-lipped, saying, “When we had a match against CSK, I talked to him about the situation—how you would bat, what you think. He told me a lot of things. It’s a secret.” This cryptic remark has only fueled speculation among fans, who are eager to decode the possible nuggets of wisdom that Dhoni might have shared.
After being acquired by Delhi Capitals in the IPL mega-auction, Ashutosh made an immediate impact, delivering a match-winning performance on his debut for his new franchise. Facing Lucknow Super Giants in a high-pressure encounter, he played a blistering knock of 66 runs off just 31 balls, turning the game on its head. The innings was particularly special because Delhi Capitals had suffered a dramatic top-order collapse, reeling at 7/3 in just 1.4 overs, while chasing an imposing target of 210 in Visakhapatnam. His fearless approach and aggressive stroke play helped steady the innings before he launched a brutal assault on the opposition bowlers, eventually guiding his team to a thrilling victory.
Reflecting on his heroics, Ashutosh stated that he was determined to stay at the crease till the end and take responsibility for the chase. With just six runs required off the final over, he showcased immense composure, waiting for the right moment to finish the game. Off the third ball of the over, he confidently launched left-arm spinner Shahbaz Ahmed for a six down the ground, sealing a dramatic win for his team with three balls to spare. His performance was widely praised by fans, cricket pundits, and former players, with many believing that Delhi Capitals have found a reliable finisher in him.
Ashutosh’s fearless approach has drawn comparisons with some of the best finishers in T20 cricket, and his ability to perform under pressure has already made him one of the most exciting young talents to watch in IPL 2024. His natural ability to accelerate the innings at crucial moments and his confident stroke-making have made him a key asset for Delhi Capitals.
As Delhi Capitals prepare to take on Sunrisers Hyderabad on March 30, expectations are high, and fans are eagerly waiting to see whether Ashutosh can replicate his match-winning heroics. His current form suggests that he could become a permanent fixture in the playing XI, adding much-needed firepower to the middle order. With growing confidence and invaluable insights from Dhoni and other senior cricketers, Ashutosh Sharma is rapidly establishing himself as one of the most promising young batters in the tournament. The cricketing world will be watching closely to see if he can continue his meteoric rise and make a lasting impact in IPL 2024.
