In a recent burst of praise that has stirred excitement in the cricketing circles, former Indian spinner Harbhajan Singh commended the unheralded Punjab Kings player Ashutosh Sharma for his remarkable performance against Mumbai Indians in IPL 2024. During a critical match, Ashutosh proved to be a powerhouse, pulling PBKS back from the brink of defeat with his aggressive batting.
The 25-year-old cricketer played a pivotal inning for PBKS in a situation where the team was struggling at 77 for 6. With all odds against him, Ashutosh defied expectations and fired a series of powerful strokes, including three massive sixes off Akash Madhwal in a single over. His spectacular batting brought the team close to a victory, turning a dire 27 runs needed from 24 balls situation nearly in their favor.
However, the climactic moment was bittersweet when Ashutosh was outmaneuvered by Gerald Coetzee’s slower ball in the 18th over, leading to his dismissal at a crucial juncture. He departed with a blazing 61 runs from just 28 balls, but his exit marked a turn in fortunes, and PBKS eventually succumbed to a narrow nine-run defeat.
Harbhajan relayed his awe during a review on his YouTube channel, pointing out the technical excellence and mental fortitude displayed by Ashutosh. “He plays like Suryakumar Yadav and it’s not easy to hit Bumrah for boundaries the way he does. MI won the game but Ashutosh won hearts,” commented Harbhajan, making a strong comparison between Ashutosh’s playing style and that of India’s dynamic batter, Suryakumar Yadav.
Ashutosh Sharma’s journey to this point has been far from straightforward. He has endured numerous setbacks, including facing rejection and enduring hardships that tested his resolve. Initially sidelined by the Madhya Pradesh cricket setup, Ashutosh battled depression and struggled to find his way back into cricket. His turnaround came when he secured a position with the Railways, where he made headlines by scoring a half-century in just 11 balls—a remarkable feat that showcased his potential and resilience.
Despite being left out unexplained by a professional coach in the subsequent season, Ashutosh did not let the disappointment derail his career. He recounted some of the darker periods of his life during COVID-19 lockdowns when isolation and a lack of support deepened his mental health struggles. It was during these testing times that he questioned his future in the sport.
Yet, through perseverance and an undying passion for cricket, Ashutosh returned to form and achieved significant milestones in domestic cricket, eventually catching the eye of Punjab Kings scouts. His senior debut in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy in 2018 was just the beginning, followed by a strong performance in the next season where he emerged as the second-highest run-getter for Madhya Pradesh.
His recent performances in IPL 2024 not only reflect his advanced batting skills but also an inspiring tale of comeback and determination against adversity. While the spotlight often focuses on established stars, players like Ashutosh who fight their way up from the grassroots embody the spirit and unpredictability that the Indian Premier League celebrates.
As IPL 2024 progresses, Ashutosh Sharma will be a player to watch, not only for his explosive batting but also for the heart and resilience he brings to the field. For the young batter, every game is an opportunity to rise from the ashes of past setbacks and to etch his name among cricket’s rising stars.