In the aftermath of the Punjab Kings‘ clash with Mumbai Indians in the ongoing IPL 2024 on April 18 in Mullanpur, Ashutosh Sharma, a key batter for Punjab Kings, expressed his elation at fulfilling a personal dream. He recounted his aspiration to execute a sweep shot against the formidable bowler Jasprit Bumrah, often hailed as one of the best in the world.
This dream materialized during his remarkable performance against Mumbai Indians, where he nearly guided Punjab Kings to victory with a breathtaking innings. Ashutosh Sharma’s journey to prominence began with an impressive cameo against Gujarat Titans, followed by consistent contributions to the team’s cause throughout the IPL season. However, it was his standout performance against Mumbai Indians that truly captured the spotlight.
Despite batting at No. 8, he showcased his prowess by smashing 61 runs off just 28 deliveries, almost securing a win for Punjab Kings. His innings was adorned with seven massive sixes and two well-placed boundaries, demonstrating his ability to dominate even the most formidable bowling attacks.
One of the most memorable moments of his innings came when he dispatched Jasprit Bumrah, considered one of the world’s premier fast bowlers, for a six over the fence. This remarkable shot, executed as a paddle sweep over backward square leg during a free hit, left spectators in awe of Ashutosh’s skill and audacity. In post-match reflections, Ashutosh revealed that he had practised this specific shot against Bumrah extensively in the nets, highlighting his dedication to mastering his craft.
Ashutosh Sharma played a stunning knock
Despite his brilliance, Ashutosh expressed regret over not being able to lead the Punjab Kings to victory against the Mumbai Indians. He credited the team’s Head of Cricket Development, Sanjay Bangar, for his supportive words, acknowledging their impact on his performance as a batter.
Ashutosh Sharma said: “It was my dream to hit a sweep shot off Jasprit Bumrah. I have been practicing these shots. It’s a game of cricket so it’s very common. we have to focus on our process. When I was playing, I had the belief to pull off a win.”
“Sanjay [Bangar] sir told me that, ‘you’re not a slogger; you play proper cricketing shots and you should focus on [honing] that’. It was that small statement and a show of confidence from him that made a huge difference for me and turned my game. I’m now just trying to follow that.”
Following their defeat to Mumbai Indians, Punjab Kings find themselves in a precarious position in the IPL points table, slipping to the 9th spot with only 4 points. Their upcoming match against Gujarat Titans presents an opportunity to reverse their fortunes and climb the standings.
As they prepare to face their next challenge at the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium, Ashutosh Sharma and Punjab Kings remain determined to turn the tide in their favour and revive their campaign in the IPL 2024 season.
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