Ashutosh Sharma, the rising sensation from Delhi Capitals, has turned heads in IPL 2025 with his explosive batting, especially his unforgettable unbeaten 66 off 31 balls that secured a thrilling one-wicket win against Lucknow Super Giants. However, the journey to this moment of glory has been filled with emotional struggles, personal battles, and career roadblocks. The Ashutosh Sharma story is not just about cricket—it’s about resilience, redemption, and relentless self-belief.
Ashutosh Sharma’s Battle With Depression
In a recent podcast with Shubhankar Mishra, Ashutosh Sharma opened up about his struggles with depression. He shared how, despite consistent performances, he was sidelined and denied opportunities, which eventually led to emotional turmoil. The young cricketer revealed he spent days locked in his room, grappling with frustration and confusion.
“People have likes and dislikes in life. And I couldn’t ask the reason for that, because I just know how to play cricket. Then I didn’t get to play any cricket for a whole year. So, my depression kept on increasing,” Ashutosh Sharma said.
Ashutosh Sharma About KKR head coach – Chandarkant Pandit.
— Tarun (@saddapunjab10) March 24, 2025
What a Comeback 👏 pic.twitter.com/xiQ3xroNcg
Allegations Against Coach Chandrakant Pandit
Ashutosh didn’t hold back when speaking about former Madhya Pradesh coach and current KKR head coach, Chandrakant Pandit. According to Ashutosh Sharma, it was Pandit’s alleged bias and preference-driven selection process that led to him being dropped from the MP team.
“There was a time when I wasn’t even allowed to get a feel of the cricket ground,” said Ashutosh in an earlier PTI interview.
He claimed that despite strong performances—including a blazing 90 in a trial match and three fifties in six Syed Mushtaq Ali games—he was not considered for selection. This period, as per Ashutosh Sharma, marked the darkest phase in his cricket journey.
The Turning Point With Railways
The Railways team became a beacon of hope in Ashutosh Sharma’s career. They not only gave him a job but also a platform to prove his worth. His debut for Railways was spectacular, scoring a century off just 60 balls in a crunch situation. He followed it up with a mind-blowing 200 off 61 balls in a senior team selection match.
“My journey started from a match against Tamil Nadu. We were 140/7, and I smashed a 60-ball 100. They didn’t even know what hit them,” Ashutosh Sharma recalled.
IPL 2024: A Glimpse of Brilliance
Before making waves in IPL 2025, Ashutosh Sharma had already teased his potential with Punjab Kings in 2024. Though opportunities were limited, he made headlines with his fearless stroke play. Notably, during PBKS’s record-breaking chase of 262 against KKR, Ashutosh didn’t get a chance to bat but was seen fully padded up, eager to contribute.
IPL 2025: Ashutosh Sharma Seizes His Moment
Now with Delhi Capitals, Ashutosh Sharma has found his rhythm and a management that trusts him. His heroics against LSG—an innings laced with sixes, boundaries, and composure under pressure—cemented his place as a dependable middle-order batter. More importantly, it marked a triumphant return from the lows he once found himself drowning in.
Aakash Chopra and Experts Laud Ashutosh Sharma
Following his match-winning knock, former cricketers and commentators praised Ashutosh Sharma for his composure, mindset, and fearless attitude. Social media exploded with appreciation for the youngster’s grit and journey from being labelled a “discarded cricketer” to becoming a “finisher in the making.”
What’s Next for Ashutosh Sharma?
With every match, Ashutosh Sharma is proving that talent, when combined with opportunity and perseverance, can defy all odds. His rise in IPL 2025 is not just a testament to his cricketing skills but also a lesson in mental resilience.
From being left out of squads without explanation to becoming the backbone of Delhi Capitals’ middle order, Ashutosh Sharma is writing one of the most inspiring stories of this IPL season. His dream of donning the Indian jersey no longer seems distant—and his journey is a beacon for every young cricketer battling doubt, rejection, and adversity.
Ashutosh Sharma’s tale is far from over. In fact, it’s just beginning. And if his current form continues, he could very well become the breakout star of IPL 2025—and possibly Indian cricket’s next big thing.
