Ashutosh Sharma: The making of Delhi Capitals’ new finisher in IPL 2025

Dubai: Twelve months ago, Ashutosh Sharma was just another uncapped Indian player, searching for a foothold in the IPL. Picked by Punjab Kings for Rs2 million, he had flashes of brilliance but lacked consistency. Released after just one season, his future in the league was uncertain — until Delhi Capitals placed a Rs38 million bet on him at the 2025 auction.

On Sunday night in Visakhapatnam, that investment paid off in spectacular fashion.

With Delhi reeling at 113 for six in the 13th over, Ashutosh walked in with the game slipping away. What followed was a display of composure and clean hitting as the 26-year-old all-rounder took the match deep before launching a final assault. His unbeaten 66, capped with a match-winning six, sealed one of Delhi’s most dramatic wins in recent memory.

“I have a lot of belief in myself but just stayed calm and didn’t put too much pressure on myself. I know if I play till the last ball, anything can happen,” Ashutosh said after the game.

It was a performance that not only secured Delhi a vital win but also announced the arrival of a player who could become their go-to finisher this season.

A middle-order batter from Madhya Pradesh, Ashutosh made headlines in October 2023 when he smashed the fastest 50 by an Indian in T20 cricket — off just 11 balls. He was then picked up by Punjab Kings for the 2024 IPL season, where he played a few explosive cameos, including a 17-ball 31 against Gujarat Titans and a 61 off 28 balls against Mumbai Indians.

Despite his promise, Punjab Kings did not retain him. Delhi Capitals, however, saw his potential, securing him for Rs38 million at the IPL 2025 auction in Jeddah.

Now, he is proving why he was worth every penny.

While Ashutosh stole the headlines, his partnership with debutant Vipraj Nigam was just as crucial. Nigam’s rapid 39 off 22 balls helped stabilise the innings, giving Ashutosh the platform to take over.

“Vipraj played very well. It was a good innings. I told him that if he is able to connect, he should keep hitting,” Ashutosh said, acknowledging his partner’s role in the comeback.

Skipper Axar Patel, too, was full of praise for the debutant. “To bat in the first match in a pressure situation like this, credit goes to Nigam. Hopefully, he will continue to do well,” he said.

With Rishabh Pant going to Lucknow and David Warner not being part of the team, Delhi Capitals have been searching for new match-winners. Ashutosh Sharma might just be the answer.

If his knock against Lucknow is anything to go by, Delhi have unearthed a player who not only thrives under pressure but relishes the responsibility of finishing games. And as the IPL season unfolds, expect more fireworks from the man who once watched from the sidelines but now owns the big stage.