NEW DELHI: “Promote him to opener and watch Delhi Capitals transform” – that’s the bold advice from former India cricketer Amay Khurasiya about the explosive Ashutosh Sharma, whose heroic unbeaten 66 off just 31 balls orchestrated a remarkable comeback victory against Lucknow Super Giants in Visakhapatnam.
When Delhi Capitals were staring at defeat at 113/6 while chasing 210, it was Sharma who remained ice-cold under extreme pressure, producing what is undoubtedly the defining performance of his budding IPL career.
Purchased for Rs 3.8 crore in the IPL 2025 Mega Auction, Sharma’s value to Delhi was evident as he entered as an Impact Player at No. 7 with the team in disarray at 7/3. Partnering with Vipraj Nigam (39 off 15), Sharma constructed a game-changing 55-run partnership before finishing the chase with a towering six over long-on off Shahbaz Ahmed with three balls remaining. His exhilarating knock featured five boundaries and five maximums.
“He has always possessed extraordinary resilience,” Khurasiya told TimesofIndia.com in an exclusive interview. “He absorbs pressure naturally – something evident throughout his career, not just in IPL but in life’s challenges too. If Delhi genuinely wants to capture their maiden IPL title, they must elevate him to opening position to dominate the Powerplay. He represents a nightmare scenario for bowlers during those crucial first six overs.”
Khurasiya, who has mentored Sharma since childhood at his academy in Madhya Pradesh, believes the 26-year-old’s technical prowess sets him apart: “Ashutosh can hook deliveries off the front foot against bowlers touching 140 kmph. His backfoot punch and cutting ability are exceptional. Beyond the conventional shots, he’s innovated numerous others.”
The former India international made a compelling case for Sharma’s inclusion in the national T20 setup: “He must play for India. Consider how he transformed the match from 113/6 – how many batters accomplish that? On a challenging surface where the ball was holding, he successfully attacked Ravi Bishnoi, an established India international. This caliber of talent deserves immediate recognition rather than a prolonged wait.”
What many cricket followers might not realize is Sharma’s versatility extends beyond his explosive batting. “He’s an outstanding fielder, skilled wicketkeeper, and capable medium pacer,” Khurasiya revealed. “He performed dual roles as keeper and bowler during his junior cricket days with Madhya Pradesh. His career began as a wicketkeeper-opening batsman. Such multifaceted talent requires careful nurturing – he’s a genuine match-winner.”
Sharma’s journey hasn’t been without obstacles. Hailing from Ratlam, Madhya Pradesh, he began his domestic cricket in 2018 with his home state before making a pivotal move to Railways in 2024 due to limited opportunities – a decision that ultimately catapulted him into the national spotlight.
In October 2023, Sharma etched his name in cricket history by surpassing a 16-year-old record held by Yuvraj Singh, smashing the fastest fifty by an Indian in T20 cricket – reaching the landmark in just 11 deliveries during a Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy match against Arunachal Pradesh.
This explosive performance earned him an IPL contract with Punjab Kings for Rs 20 lakh, where he made an immediate impact with his fearless batting approach. Across nine matches, he compiled 189 runs at a phenomenal strike rate of 167.
Despite these contributions, Punjab Kings released him before the IPL 2025 Mega Auction – a decision Delhi Capitals quickly capitalized on by securing his signature.
When asked whether this represented Punjab Kings’ loss and Delhi Capitals’ gain, Khurasiya offered a broader perspective: “It’s not merely Punjab Kings’ loss – it’s also a significant setback for Madhya Pradesh cricket. Here’s a genius cricketer with exceptional cricket intelligence not representing his home state. That’s truly unfortunate. He maintains a positive mindset, constantly hungry for national selection. The encouraging aspect is how he’s maturing with age at just 26.”
As Delhi Capitals continue their quest for a maiden IPL title, the call to elevate Ashutosh Sharma to opening position grows louder. With his proven ability to deliver under pressure and dominate bowlers, this tactical adjustment could potentially transform Delhi’s championship aspirations into reality.