Delhi Capitals finally found their rhythm in IPL 2026, snapping a three-match losing streak with a commanding seven-wicket win over Rajasthan Royals in Jaipur. At the heart of the chase was Ashutosh Sharma, who once again underlined his growing reputation as a reliable finisher in high-pressure situations.
Coming in at a crucial stage, Ashutosh played an unbeaten cameo of 25 off just 15 balls, striking four boundaries and guiding Delhi home in a steep 226-run chase with five balls to spare. His composure at the death stood out, especially in a game where momentum could have easily shifted.
“I enjoy being a finisher for my team. The team has trusted me in these situations, and I thrive in these moments. As long as I’m at the crease, I believe I can win games,” Ashutosh Sharma said after the match.
Delhi’s chase, however, was built on a solid foundation laid by KL Rahul and Pathum Nissanka. The opening duo stitched together a match-defining 110-run partnership, ensuring the Capitals stayed ahead of the required rate right through the innings.
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“In modern T20 cricket, the powerplay and opening partnership are crucial. Our openers gave us the perfect start, which made things easier for the middle order,” Ashutosh Sharma added.
Earlier in the game, Delhi’s pace attack set the tone. Mitchell Starc and Kyle Jamieson struck early to remove Rajasthan’s in-form openers Yashasvi Jaiswal and Vaibhav Sooryavanshi within the first two overs, disrupting their aggressive template. “Our plan was to get their openers early because they’ve been key for them this season. It worked perfectly for us,” Ashutosh noted.
Despite the defeat, Rajasthan Royals had their moments, largely thanks to captain Riyan Parag’s impressive 90 off 50 balls and Dhruv Jurel’s steady 42. Their partnership helped the Royals recover after an early collapse. RR batting coach Vikram Rathour admitted that their bowlers failed to execute plans, particularly in the powerplay while defending a strong total.
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“226 was a competitive score on this surface, but we didn’t bowl well in the powerplay and couldn’t take early wickets. That hurt us,” Vikram Rathour explained. He did, however, praise the batting unit’s resilience after losing both openers early, highlighting the partnerships that helped them post a formidable total. In the end, Delhi’s clinical chase, anchored by their top order and finished calmly by Ashutosh, proved the difference in a high-scoring contest.
