Delhi Capitals’ new match-winner, Ashutosh Sharma, delivered a clutch performance in the IPL 2025 thriller against Lucknow Super Giants (LSG), steering his side to a nail-biting one-wicket victory. After smashing an unbeaten 66 off 31 balls, he dedicated his Player of the Match award to “Shikhar paaji”, likely referring to former Indian opener Shikhar Dhawan.
Ashutosh Sharma: The Unexpected Hero
Coming in as an impact substitute for Mukesh Kumar, Ashutosh turned the game on its head when DC were struggling at 65/5 while chasing 210.
- He kept his composure, absorbed the pressure, and unleashed a calculated counterattack.
- His explosive knock included five sixes, with the last one sealing DC’s biggest run-chase in IPL history.
- His mindset? Belief.
🗣️ “I have a lot of belief in myself that if I play till the last over and last ball, anything can happen.”
Acknowledging Young Gun Vipraj Nigam
Before Ashutosh went full throttle, 20-year-old debutant Vipraj Nigam provided a game-changing cameo.
- The young leg-spinner-turned-batter hammered 39 off just 15 balls, taking pressure off Ashutosh.
- Ashutosh praised Nigam’s fearless approach, saying:
🗣️ “I told him that if he is connecting, he should keep hitting. I just stayed calm and didn’t put too much pressure on myself.”
A Special Dedication to Shikhar Dhawan
At the end of the match, Ashutosh made an emotional gesture, dedicating his award to “Shikhar paaji”—most likely Shikhar Dhawan, his mentor from Punjab Kings.
🗣️ “I just want to dedicate this Man of the Match award to my mentor Shikhar paaji.”
Dhawan has been known to mentor young players, and Ashutosh’s tribute hints at the role the veteran batter played in shaping his career.
Match Summary
🏏 LSG: 209/8 (20 overs) – Marsh 72, Pooran 75; Mukesh Kumar 3/42
🏏 DC: 212/9 (19.4 overs) – Ashutosh Sharma 66, Vipraj Nigam 39, Stubbs 34
✅ DC won by 1 wicket
With this career-defining knock, Ashutosh Sharma has announced himself on the big stage, leaving fans excited for what’s next.