"Not Part Of My Batting...": Ashutosh Sharma Opens Up On Explosive IPL Knock For DC vs LSG

Following a magnificent 66* that led Delhi Capitals (DC) to a thrilling win over Lucknow Super Giants (LSG), Delhi Capitals (DC) batter Ashutosh Sharma reflected on his mindset during tense run-chase, learnings from a solid 2024 debut season with Punjab Kings (PBKS) and his experiences with team mentor and English legend Kevin Pietersen. The Railways batter continued from where he had left off during the debut 2024 season with Punjab Kings, pulling off a clutch knock that lifted DC from 65/5 during a 210-run chase and failed all computerised and data-driven win predictors.

Speaking after the match in the post-match presser, Ashutosh said that he was normal during the final phase of the run-chase and was confident about his abilities.

"I was confident. It is a part of the game. But it was not a part of my batting. I was very normal, if he (Mohit Sharma) took a single, I would hit a six. I was confident about my ability. I was just following the process, to go as deep as possible and bat till 20th over," said Ashutosh.

Ashutosh said that playing the recent Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy in Vizag helped him stay aware of challenges ahead during the IPL as he knew how the wicket could behave in the second innings. The tournament was a solid one for Ashutosh as he scored 164 runs in five innings including two fifties.

"I have played SMAT 2024 on this Vizag wicket. I could understand how it behaves in both innings. I could understand the situation easily. The wicket was good for me," he said.

Ashutosh admitted that while his last year with PBKS (189 runs in nine innings with a fifty) was a great one, it is now "history.

"I took all the positives from the last season and now I have applied myself and not making the mistakes I made. I