In the dynamic world of cricket, where moments can define careers, Ashutosh Sharma‘s standout performance in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 has left fans and pundits in awe. On March 24, 2025, in a thrilling encounter against the Lucknow Super Giants, Ashutosh not only displayed his batting brilliance but also highlighted the transformative power of mentorship. His evolution from a struggling player to a match-winner underscores the importance of hard work, self-belief, and the guidance of his mentor, Shikhar Dhawan.
From despair to triumph: The match that defined a season
The Delhi Capitals were up against a formidable target of 210 runs. With their innings faltering at 7 for 3 and later at 65 for 5, defeat seemed imminent. Enter Ashutosh Sharma, who emerged as the hero of the hour. Stepping in during a critical phase, he played a blazing knock of 66 runs off just 31 balls, including a series of boundaries that turned the game on its head. His efforts propelled Delhi Capitals to a thrilling one-wicket victory with only three balls to spare.
What made Ashutosh’s innings even more extraordinary was his composure under pressure. Starting cautiously, he scored just 20 runs off his first 20 balls. But with sheer determination and self-belief, he exploded in the final overs, smashing 46 runs off the next 11 deliveries. His match-winning six was not just a testament to his skill but also a reflection of his mental fortitude and strategic mindset.
The mentor-mentee bond of Shikhar Dhawan and Ashutosh Sharma
Ashutosh’s success is deeply intertwined with his relationship with Dhawan. The duo’s bond began during a pre-season camp with the Punjab Kings ahead of IPL 2024. Recognizing Ashutosh’s potential, Dhawan gifted him his bat—an act that proved pivotal as Ashutosh scored a century in his Ranji Trophy debut shortly afterward.
After the match, Ashutosh dedicated his Player of the Match award to Dhawan, expressing heartfelt gratitude for his mentorship. “I want to dedicate this Man of the Match award to my mentor, Shikhar paaji,” he said during the presentation ceremony. This touching gesture underscores the invaluable role mentors play in shaping young talents.
In a heartwarming moment, Ashutosh was seen on a video call with Dhawan in the dressing room, proudly showing his teammates that he was speaking to ‘Shikhar paaji.’ The room then erupted in celebrations as Ashutosh exclaimed, “He was really happy. Love you paaji,” in a video shared by the Capitals.
Here’s the video:
Ashu Gabbar
It’s a Dilli love story pic.twitter.com/HZkeC3sWUE
— Delhi Capitals (@DelhiCapitals) March 24, 2025
Also READ: Ashutosh Sharma wins hearts by dedicating his Player of the Match award to “Shikhar Paaji” – IPL 2025, DC vs LSG
Visualizing victory: The power behind Ashutosh’s performance
A key factor in Ashutosh’s success is the technique of visualization—a method Dhawan introduced to him. Visualization involves mentally rehearsing performances and envisioning success before it happens, sharpening focus and preparing athletes for challenges.
Ashutosh credits this practice for his calm demeanor and ability to stay positive under pressure. He explained how visualization helped him chase down the target against LSG, enabling him to remain unfazed as wickets tumbled around him.
Purchased for INR 3.8 crore in the IPL auction, Ashutosh is now a vital cog in Delhi Capitals’ quest for their maiden IPL title under new skipper Axar Patel. His heroics against Lucknow Super Giants have solidified his reputation as a dependable finisher in high-pressure situations. With Dhawan’s mentorship and tools like visualization at his disposal, Ashutosh is well-equipped to tackle the challenges ahead.
