IPL 2025: Showstopper Ashutosh Sharma's Scintillating Finish Will Be Etched In Memory Forever

It seemed like Ashutosh Sharma never went out of form and carried his brilliant 2024 IPL into the 2025 edition’s first game. Even after changing sides from Punjab King to Delhi Capitals, he continued to whack the spinners at will, winning what was almost a lost game for his side in their season opener against the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) at the ACA-VDCA Stadium in Visakhapatnam on March 24 (Monday). 

He played such a calculative and thrilling knock that everyone watching in the stadium would never have wanted him to get out, keeping them on the edge till the very last shot and leaving a lasting impression on their minds, something that will be etched in their memories forever. 

Ashutosh was joined by Vipraj Nigam, a debutant, when Delhi were struggling at 113/6 in the 13th over, chasing 210 to win, needing 97 off 45 in a match which never looked winnable. 

But things changed drastically as the duo put up 55 off just 22 balls. However, Nigam was in charge of that partnership, scoring 39 off just 15 balls, while Ashutosh made 15 off 7 balls. However, Ashutosh showed why his nerves are made of steel as he partnered tailenders - Kuldeep Yadav, Mitchell Starc and Mohit Sharma to chase the target eventually. It was in the 18th, 19th and 20th overs, that the 26-year-old showed maturity beyond age. 

In the 18th over, Ashutosh hit Ravi Bishnoi for 12 runs in the last three balls. In the next, he smashed Prince Yadav for 12 off the last three balls once again, bringing the target down to 6 off 6 by taking minimal risks, like running a tighter double or trying to hit a scoop or any high-risk shot. 

But in the 20th over, he took the risk when it mattered. After number 11, Mohit Sharma was able to survive the first two balls and bring Ashutosh on strike for the third ball, with the Capitals needing 5 off 4 balls. He saw the full ball from Shahbaz Ahmed and hit it straight down the six.

After hitting the winning runs, Ashutosh did the switch hat action, thanking Capitals special batting consultant Kevin Pietersen. Even after being five down for 65, Pietersen, while talking to commentators, said that he believes in Ashutosh and Vipraj’s batting and that the world should wait and watch them as they might be game-changing.

Speaking at the post-match presentation ceremony after he was named Player of the Match, Ashutosh, who scored an unbeaten 66 off 31 balls, said, "Last year, I left a lot of matches unfinished. This time around, I believed in myself and said I would finish it for sure and do it."

Ashutosh also dedicated his Player Of The Match award to former India and Punjab Kings batter Shikhar Dhawan.