In a stunning display of resilience, Ashutosh Sharma played a pivotal role in Delhi Capitals’ exhilarating triumph over Lucknow Super Giants in their fourth IPL 2025 match. Despite nursing a painful cut on his finger, Sharma’s unbeaten knock of 66 runs off just 31 balls not only clinched the game for his team but also etched his name in IPL folklore.
The dramatic chase unfolded at the Dr. Y.S. Rajasekhara Reddy ACA-VDCA Cricket Stadium in Vizag, where Delhi Capitals were tasked with overhauling a daunting target of 210. Facing a precarious situation at 65/5, Sharma’s entry into the crease brought a shift in momentum. His innings, peppered with five fours and six sixes, catapulted the Capitals towards victory, reviving hopes when they seemed all but extinguished.
The Delhi Capitals coach, Hemang Badani, lauded Sharma’s determination and spirit in a video shared on the team’s official social media channels. Badani recounted his conversation with Sharma just days before the game: ‘I had a chat with him two days prior to the game when he had that cut. I asked how are you feeling, will you play, and he said quite clearly, ‘I am playing the game. I want to be in the middle.’ There’s one thing to speak of being in the middle and the desire to play. But to go in there to bat the way you batted—15 off 15 at one stage to 61 off 31, finishing off the game in style. Congratulations.’ Sharma’s transition from a cautious 15 off 15 to a masterful 61 off the next 16 deliveries showcased his ability to accelerate and dominate under pressure.
Sharma’s heroics not only secured the win but also positioned his score as the second-highest by a batsman coming in at number seven or lower during a successful IPL chase. His performance is only surpassed by Dwayne Bravo‘s record-breaking 68 off 30 in a thrilling one-wicket victory for Chennai Super Kings against Mumbai Indians. Sharma matched the previously set benchmark by Andre Russell of Kolkata Knight Riders, who scored an unbeaten 66 in a chase against Punjab in 2015.
The final partnership between Sharma and Mohit proved decisive, culminating in a memorable victory for Delhi Capitals. As they gear up to face Sunrisers Hyderabad next, the team will undoubtedly draw confidence from this remarkable comeback, powered by the sheer resolve and talent of Ashutosh Sharma.