Lagatar24 Desk
New Delhi: In a thrilling last-over win for Delhi Capitals against Lucknow Super Giants in Visakhapatnam, 26-year-old Ashutosh Sharma delivered a career-defining performance, sealing a one-wicket victory with a six. Now, his childhood coach and former India cricketer Amay Khurasiya believes Delhi Capitals must send Ashutosh to open the innings if they want to lift their maiden IPL trophy.
Ashutosh, who came in as an Impact Player at No. 7, smashed an unbeaten 66 off just 31 balls, rescuing his side from a dire 113/6 while chasing 210. His explosive innings included five fours and five sixes, and he shared a crucial 55-run stand with Vipraj Nigam, turning the match in DC’s favour.
“He Should Open The Innings”
Amay Khurasiya, speaking to TimesofIndia.com, said, “If Delhi wants to win their maiden title, they must send him to open. He’s the most difficult player to stop in the Powerplay. Axar should give him that opportunity. He’s a nightmare for bowlers.”
Khurasiya added that Ashutosh’s ability to play both pace and spin, especially under pressure, sets him apart. “He can pull, cut, punch off the back foot—even against 140+ kmph bowlers. He has all the classical shots and has invented some of his own too. This guy should be in India’s T20 setup. He’s ready.”
A Cricketer With Many Skills
Khurasiya revealed that Ashutosh is more than just a power-hitter. “He’s an exceptional fielder, a former wicketkeeper, and can even bowl medium pace. During his junior cricket days in Madhya Pradesh, he used to open the innings, keep wickets, and bowl fast—all in the same match. He’s a complete cricketer and must be nurtured.”
Ashutosh has trained under Khurasiya since his childhood at an academy in Ratlam, Madhya Pradesh. After struggling to find opportunities with MP’s senior team, he switched to Railways in 2024 and quickly rose through the ranks in T20 cricket.
Record-Breaking Rise
In October 2023, Ashutosh grabbed national headlines by breaking Yuvraj Singh’s long-standing record, smashing the fastest fifty by an Indian in T20s—off just 11 balls—during the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy for Railways against Arunachal Pradesh.
This explosive form earned him an IPL contract with Punjab Kings for ₹20 lakh, where he impressed with 189 runs in nine matches at a strike rate of 167. However, Punjab released him ahead of the 2025 Mega Auction. Delhi Capitals capitalised on the opportunity, acquiring him for ₹3.8 crore.
Punjab’s Loss, Delhi’s Gain?
Khurasiya lamented Punjab’s decision to release him and also took a dig at Madhya Pradesh’s domestic setup. “This isn’t just Punjab Kings’ loss—it’s also a loss for MP cricket. A player like him should have been groomed at home. He’s a genius with a mature mind and a hunger to play for India.”
As Ashutosh continues to rise, his coach’s recommendation for a promotion to the top of the batting order might just be what Delhi Capitals need to change their IPL fortunes.
