From Morena to IPL Glory: The Journey of Ashutosh Sharma
Ashutosh Rambabu Sharma’s journey from the bylanes of Morena, Madhya Pradesh, to the grand stages of the Indian Premier League (IPL) is nothing short of inspirational. Born on September 15, 1998, Sharma’s early years were steeped in cricket, playing on local grounds and emulating his idols. His natural talent and dedication saw him rise through the ranks of domestic cricket before making his mark on the world’s biggest T20 stage.
Domestic Career: Laying the Foundation
Ashutosh Sharma began his professional cricketing career representing Madhya Pradesh. He made his Twenty20 debut in the 2017-18 Zonal T20 League and his List A debut in the Vijay Hazare Trophy in 2019. His performances showcased his potential:
- First-Class Matches: 8 matches, 370 runs at an average of 28.46, including one century (top score of 123).
- List A Matches: 14 matches, 297 runs at an average of 22.84 (top score of 75).
- T20 Matches: 31 matches, 772 runs at an average of 33.56, including seven half-centuries (top score of 84).
His rise in domestic cricket culminated in a record-breaking performance in October 2023, when he shattered Yuvraj Singh’s record by scoring the fastest fifty by an Indian in T20 cricket—off just 11 balls.
A Night to Remember in IPL 2025
IPL has seen countless breathtaking performances, but few compare to Ashutosh Sharma’s heroic knock for Delhi Capitals in 2025. Playing against Lucknow Super Giants, Sharma produced one of the most remarkable innings in IPL history, steering his team to a sensational one-wicket victory.
Lucknow had posted a daunting total of 209/8 in their 20 overs. Delhi, struggling at 65/5, needed a miracle. Enter Ashutosh Sharma. Coming in as an Impact Player at number seven, he played a fearless innings, smashing 66* off just 31 balls, including five fours and five sixes, to take Delhi to victory with three balls to spare.
Breaking Records and Making History
Sharma’s 66-run knock became the highest individual score by an Indian batter batting at number seven or lower in a successful IPL run chase. Previously, this record was held by Yusuf Pathan (62 runs in 2009). Notably, only two Indian players—Pathan and Sharma—have ever scored a fifty or more at number seven or lower in a winning cause.
His innings also ranks second among all players for the highest score in a successful chase after the fall of five wickets, with Dwayne Bravo’s 68 for Chennai Super Kings against Mumbai Indians in 2018 leading the list.
Top Performances at Number 7 or Lower in a Successful IPL Run Chase
| Player | Runs | Team | Opponent | Year | Venue |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dwayne Bravo | 68 | Chennai Super Kings | Mumbai Indians | 2018 | Mumbai |
| Ashutosh Sharma | 66* | Delhi Capitals | Lucknow Super Giants | 2025 | Visakhapatnam |
| Andre Russell | 66 | Kolkata Knight Riders | Punjab Kings | 2015 | Pune |
| Yusuf Pathan | 62 | Rajasthan Royals | Delhi Capitals | 2009 | Centurion |
| Pat Cummins | 56 | Kolkata Knight Riders | Mumbai Indians | 2022 | Pune |
Delhi Capitals: Lower-Order Firepower
Delhi Capitals’ lower-order batsmen played a crucial role in this historic win, contributing 113 runs—the highest ever by batters at number seven or lower in a successful chase.
Most Runs Scored by Batters at No. 7 or Lower in a Successful Chase
| Team | Opponent | Runs Scored by No. 7 or Lower | Year | Venue |
| Delhi Capitals | Lucknow Super Giants | 113 | 2025 | Visakhapatnam |
| Chennai Super Kings | Mumbai Indians | 79 | 2018 | Mumbai |
| Kolkata Knight Riders | Punjab Kings | 70 | 2015 | Pune |
| Rajasthan Royals | Delhi Capitals | 66 | 2013 | Mumbai |
| Rajasthan Royals | Sunrisers Hyderabad | 65 | 2021 | Delhi |
Delhi also became the first team in IPL history to chase a 200+ target despite losing their third wicket early. The previous best was Lucknow’s 190-run chase against RCB in 2023.
The Impact Player Rule: A Game Changer
The IPL’s introduction of the Impact Player rule in 2023 changed the game, allowing teams to substitute a player into the starting XI at any point. Ashutosh Sharma’s performance in IPL 2025 showcased the rule’s potential, turning the tide in Delhi’s favor. Even Delhi’s Faf du Plessis acknowledged its strategic value after Sharma’s match-winning innings.
A Star in the Making
Ashutosh Sharma’s rise in the IPL is a testament to his resilience and talent. From breaking domestic records to becoming a game-changer in the world’s most competitive T20 league, his journey continues to inspire budding cricketers. His fearless approach and ability to thrive under pressure mark him as one of the most promising players to watch in the coming years.
IPL 2025’s fourth match will be remembered as one of the greatest comebacks in the tournament’s history, and at the heart of it was Ashutosh Sharma—a cricketer who turned dreams into reality with a bat in hand and a fire in his heart.