In a spectacular display of nerve and skill, Delhi Capitals’ uncapped sensation Ashutosh Sharma orchestrated one of IPL 2025’s most remarkable comebacks, dedicating his Player of the Match performance to former teammate and mentor Shikhar Dhawan after a breathtaking one-wicket victory against Lucknow Super Giants on Wednesday evening.
Walking in as an impact substitute for Mukesh Kumar with Delhi precariously positioned at 65/5 while chasing an imposing target of 210, the 26-year-old Punjab native remained unbeaten on 66 off just 31 deliveries, finishing the match in style with a towering six that sent the Delhi dugout into euphoria.
“I learned from last year’s experiences where I couldn’t finish a few games,” Sharma revealed in the post-match interview. “I’ve been specifically focusing on finishing games, even in domestic cricket. I have tremendous belief that if I stay until the last ball, anything is possible. It’s about staying calm and executing shots I’ve practiced extensively.”
What made the chase even more remarkable was the crucial partnership Ashutosh formed with 20-year-old debutant Vipraj Nigam, who showcased exceptional temperament beyond his years. The leg-break spinner contributed a vital 39 runs from mere 15 deliveries, providing perfect support for Ashutosh’s match-winning heroics.
“Firstly, I want to acknowledge Vipraj’s brilliant innings,” Ashutosh said. “For a debutant to play with such freedom was extraordinary. I simply told him to continue backing his strengths if he was connecting well. I focused on maintaining my composure without putting undue pressure on myself.”
This victory marks Delhi Capitals’ second win of the season, propelling them to sixth position on the points table with four points from five matches. For Lucknow Super Giants, this defeat will be particularly painful after posting what appeared to be a winning total, largely thanks to Nicholas Pooran’s explosive 78 off 41 balls and captain KL Rahul’s solid 52.
Before concluding his remarks, Ashutosh made a heartfelt dedication to his mentor Shikhar Dhawan, with whom he shared the dressing room at Punjab Kings last season. “I want to dedicate this Man of the Match award to Shikhar paaji,” he said, acknowledging the influence the veteran opener has had on his development.
Delhi Capitals’ coach Ricky Ponting later praised Ashutosh’s temperament: “What we witnessed today was special. To chase down 210 from the position we were in requires extraordinary self-belief. Ashutosh has shown tremendous improvement in his game awareness since joining us, and tonight was the perfect demonstration of his potential.”
Delhi Capitals will look to build on this momentum when they face Royal Challengers Bangalore in their next encounter on Sunday, while Lucknow Super Giants will aim to bounce back against Rajasthan Royals on Saturday afternoon.