Delhi Capitals batter Ashutosh Sharma’s first-class coach, Nikhil Doru, revealed that Railways selectors were hesitant to pick the right-hander for the Ranji Trophy, believing the 26-year-old lacked proper batting technique.
Doru further mentioned that the selectors saw Sharma as a player suited only for big hits, and he had to advocate for his inclusion in the red-ball squad after he was overlooked for the initial matches.
“The selectors were completely unwilling to pick him in Railways’ squad for the Ranji Trophy. They said, ‘Ashutosh doesn’t know how to bat. He can only hit big shots’. I kept pushing for his selection terming him a necessity considering his ability to emerge as a game-changer.” Doru told TimesofIndia.com.
Doru’s faith in Ashutosh Sharma paid off as the batter smashed 123 off 84, helping Railways post 313 in the first innings and secure a 184-run win. The coach humorously told Gujarat spinner Ravi Bishnoi that Railways’ real batting began when Sharma arrived, making the leg-spinner laugh.
“Before Ashutosh walked out to bat, I told Gujarat spinner Ravi Bishnoi that our batting has just started. He laughed and said, ‘What are you saying?’.
“Despite having only bowlers for company, Ashutosh managed to help us score 313, smashing 123 off 84 balls in a knock comprising 12 fours and eight sixes. It boosted our morale massively as we had fully expected to get bowled out for 200. We eventually won that match by 184 runs,” he said.
Ashutosh Sharma Shines in Vizag with Blazing 31-Ball 66 to Seal Victory for Delhi Capitals
Ashutosh Sharma emerged as the match-winner for Delhi Capitals (DC) in their IPL 2025 clash against Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) in Vizag on Monday. His explosive 31-ball 66 powered DC to a thrilling last-over chase of 210 runs.
Coming in as an impact substitute, Ashutosh sealed the victory with a six off left-arm spinner Shahbaz Ahmed, securing DC’s first points of the season. DC will next face Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) in Vizag on Sunday, while LSG take on SRH in Hyderabad on Thursday.
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