Ashutosh Sharma, the 25-year-old Punjab Kings batter, has emerged as a rising star in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024. Despite his team’s loss against Mumbai Indians, Sharma’s sensational 28-ball-61 showcased his exceptional talent.
Sharma’s knock, which included 2 fours and 7 sixes at a strike rate of 217.86, brought Punjab Kings close to victory despite losing four early wickets. His performance adds to his impressive tournament tally of 156 runs in just 4 matches.
Sharma’s journey to the IPL has been marked by both triumph and adversity. From 2020 to 2022, he faced a challenging period where his career seemed uncertain. “There was a time when I wasn’t even allowed to get a feel of the cricket ground,” Sharma revealed.
An alleged falling out with then Madhya Pradesh head coach Chandrakant Pandit left Sharma feeling depressed and isolated. “I would go to the gym and retire to my hotel room. I was sinking into depression and no one told me what my fault was,” he said.
Despite his struggles, Sharma’s determination remained unwavering. A job offer from Railways proved to be a lifeline, and in the 2023 Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, he equaled Yuvraj Singh’s record for the fastest T20 half-century, scoring 50 in just 11 deliveries.
Sharma’s exceptional performance caught the attention of Punjab Kings batting coach Sanjay Bangar, and he was picked up by the franchise in the IPL 2024 auction for the base price of Rs 20 lakh.
Sharma’s recent knock against Mumbai Indians is a testament to his resilience and talent. His ability to play explosive innings and contribute to his team’s success has made him a valuable asset for Punjab Kings. As the IPL 2024 continues, Sharma is poised to make a significant impact on the tournament and further cement his status as a rising star in Indian cricket.
