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In the vibrant world of cricket, where fortunes can shift in the blink of an eye, Ashutosh Sharma‘s remarkable performance in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 has captured the hearts of fans and experts alike. On March 24, 2025, during a nail-biting match against the Lucknow Super Giants, Ashutosh showcased not only his batting prowess but also the profound impact of mentorship in sports. His journey from a struggling batter to a match-winner is a testament to hard work, belief, and the guiding hand of his mentor, Shikhar Dhawan.
From despair to triumph: The match that defined a season
Delhi Capitals faced a daunting challenge as they chased a target of 210 runs. With their innings crumbling at 7 for 3 and later at 65 for 5, the team seemed on the brink of defeat. However, Ashutosh emerged as a beacon of hope. Coming in at a critical juncture, he delivered an explosive performance, scoring an astonishing 66 runs off just 31 balls. His innings included a flurry of boundaries that turned the tide in favour of Delhi Capitals, leading them to an improbable one-wicket victory with just three balls to spare.
What makes this victory even more remarkable is Ashutosh’s ability to remain calm under pressure. At one point, he found himself on just 20 runs off 20 balls. Yet, with self-belief and composure, he unleashed a barrage of runs in the final overs, scoring 46 runs off just 11 balls. His decisive six that sealed the match was not just a display of skill; it was a culmination of mental strength and strategic thinking.
The mentor-mentee bond of Shikhar Dhawan and Ashutosh Sharma
Ashutosh’s success cannot be attributed solely to his talent; it is also rooted in his relationship with his mentor, Dhawan. Their bond began during a pre-season camp with Punjab Kings before IPL 2024. Dhawan recognized Ashutosh’s potential early on and gifted him his bat—a gesture that would prove pivotal as Ashutosh went on to score a century in his Ranji Trophy debut shortly thereafter.
During post-match celebrations, Ashutosh dedicated his Player of the Match award to Dhawan, expressing gratitude for his mentorship. “I just want to dedicate this Man of the Match award to my mentor, Shikhar paaji,” he said during the presentation ceremony. This heartfelt acknowledgment highlights how important mentorship is in sports—providing guidance, support, and wisdom that can help young players navigate their careers.
As Ashutosh entered the dressing room after his heroic performance, he was seen on a video call with his mentor, expressing gratitude for the congratulatory messages. Radiating happiness, Ashutosh proudly showed his teammates that he was speaking to ‘Shikhar paaji,’ moments before the dressing room erupted in jubilant celebrations.
“He was really happy. Love you paaji,” Ashutosh added in a video clip 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
One key aspect that Ashutosh attributes to his success is the concept of visualization—a technique emphasized by Dhawan during their interactions. Visualization involves mentally rehearsing performances and envisioning success before it happens. It sharpens focus and prepares athletes for challenges ahead.
Ashutosh explained how he learned to visualize outcomes and maintain positive thinking under pressure. He stated that staying calm and believing in oneself can lead to miraculous results—an approach he applied when chasing down runs against LSG. This mental preparation allowed him to remain unfazed by the mounting pressure as wickets fell around him.
Having been acquired for INR 3.8 crore in the IPL auction, Ashutosh is poised to become a cornerstone for Delhi Capitals in their quest for IPL glory this season. His performance against Lucknow Super Giants not only marked an impressive start but also showcased his potential as a reliable finisher in high-stakes situations. As Delhi Capitals aim for their maiden title under new captain Axar Patel, Ashutosh’s role will be crucial. With mentors like Dhawan guiding him and techniques such as visualization backing him up, he stands ready to face whatever challenges lie ahead.
