Visakhapatnam: Young cricketer Ashutosh Sharma has credited England legend Kevin Pietersen for guiding him in the dressing room, saying he frequently discusses batting techniques and experiences with the former great.
Speaking to reporters in post-match press conference on late Monday night, Ashutosh expressed his admiration for Pietersen’s presence in the team’s camp. "It is great for us to have a legend like him. We get the opportunity to share the dressing room with him, and I always talk to him about batting and his experiences from his playing days," he said.
In a sensational display of batting prowess, Ashutosh led the Delhi Capitals (DC) to a nail-biting one-wicket victory over the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) in their opening match of IPL 2025. His unbeaten 66 off 31 balls, including a match-winning six, earned him the Player of the Match award.
Chasing a formidable target of 210, Delhi found themselves in deep trouble at 65 for 5. However, Ashutosh, coming in as an impact substitute, showcased remarkable composure and aggression. Initially scoring 20 runs off 20 balls, he accelerated dramatically, adding 46 runs in the next 11 deliveries. His innings featured a series of powerful strokes that left the opposition stunned.
Replying to a query, Ashutosh said, "Having played this year, I understand how the wicket behaves in different innings. I know how the situation evolves, and Vizag has been good for me," he explained.
Ashutosh also reflected on his overall improvement this season, stating that he has made conscious efforts to correct past mistakes. "I have applied myself better this season and implemented what I learned in domestic cricket. I am ensuring that I do not repeat my errors from last year," he said.
Thanking supporters for their encouragement, he added, "I just want to thank the fans for their support." With Pietersen’s mentorship and his own domestic experience, the young cricketer is confident of making a stronger impact this season.
