Ashutosh Sharma’s rise in Indian domestic cricket has been far from straightforward. According to Railways coach Nikhil Doru, a former Rajasthan wicketkeeper, the selectors initially dismissed Ashutosh as a mere power-hitter incapable of genuine batting technique. However, his recent heroics for the Delhi Capitals in a dramatic IPL clash have challenged that perception, showcasing his ability to thrive under pressure and perform beyond expectations.
In a tense chase of 210 against the Lucknow Super Giants, Delhi found themselves reeling at 65/5. The game seemed all but over until Ashutosh stepped in, smashing an unbeaten 66 off just 31 balls to lead his team to a thrilling one-wicket win with just three deliveries remaining.
The performance mirrored his remarkable Ranji Trophy debut, where he notched a century to rescue his team from a precarious position, marking his arrival in red-ball cricket. Doru, who played a crucial role in Ashutosh’s selection for the Railways team, revealed the resistance he faced from the selectors.
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“They said Ashutosh can’t bat and only knows how to hit big shots,” Nikhil Doru shared with The Times of India. “I had to push hard for his selection, believing he could be a game-changer.”
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The 66 not out, off 31 balls, against LSG wasn’t the first time where DC’s Ashutosh Sharma displayed his calibre
Railways head coach Nikhil Doru shared an anecdote regarding the batter’s Ranji Trophy debuthttps://t.co/OrRdfX3BIB
— TOI Sports (@toisports) March 25, 2025
Even after his inclusion, Ashutosh’s position was far from secure. He finally got his chance against Gujarat, knowing a single failure could end his Ranji journey prematurely. The match itself had its share of drama—two conflicting team sheets were submitted during the toss, creating confusion about his eligibility.
This chaos led to a situation where a bowler, Karn Sharma, had to bat ahead of Ashutosh while they sought BCCI’s approval. Ashutosh Sharma, who considers Shikhar Dhawan his mentor, has proven that his game is not just about raw power but also about mental resilience and adaptability.
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Reflecting on his miraculous innings for Delhi, Ashutosh revealed that he had spent an entire year visualizing such a finish, making the moment all the more rewarding. His journey serves as a testament to perseverance, defying the odds, and silencing the critics who doubted his abilities.
