IPL 2025: Ashutosh Sharma Trains Specifically to Excel Against Spinners

New Delhi, March 28 (NationPress) A remarkable highlight of Ashutosh Sharma’s explosive innings of 66 not out off 31 balls was his ability to score heavily against spinners, leading the Delhi Capitals to a thrilling one-wicket victory over the Lucknow Super Giants earlier this week.

The all-rounder has disclosed that prior to IPL 2025, he dedicated time in separate net sessions specifically to practice hitting every delivery from spinners—a strategy that proved vital as DC kicked off their tournament with a victory at the ACA-VDCA Stadium in Visakhapatnam.

With DC struggling at 65/5 in the seventh over, Ashutosh entered the fray and managed to score 20 runs off 20 balls before shifting gears to accumulate an impressive 46 runs off the next 11 balls, leading his team to an unforgettable win. Out of his total of 66 runs, 32 were scored against spinners from just 15 balls at a remarkable strike-rate of 213.3.

This performance starkly contrasts with his previous IPL 2024 record, where he mustered only 16 runs off 21 balls against spinners while playing for the Punjab Kings. During that season, he faced a strike-rate of 76.2 and was dismissed by spinners on two occasions. This time, however, he was ready to take on leg-spinner Ravi Bishnoi, smashing two fours and two sixes, along with additional boundaries off Digvesh Singh Rathi and Shahbaz Ahmed.

“I spent extensive time batting against spinners in the nets because I enjoy long batting sessions. Whenever I have the chance, I aim to practice against spinners separately, with the goal of hitting every delivery,” Ashutosh stated to IANS during the JioStar - Delhi Capitals Press Room show on Friday.

“In matches, especially in situations like that against LSG, my aim is to strike every ball. Practicing intensely develops your precision, allowing you to hit the right deliveries during games. With the muscle memory firmly established, I focused on my approach against spinners,” Ashutosh added.

As DC prepares for their upcoming match against the Sunrisers Hyderabad in Visakhapatnam on Sunday, all eyes will be on Ashutosh to maintain his impressive form with a composed and fearless mindset. He reiterated how dedication and hard work have been key to his success in the IPL.

“It’s not merely physical attributes that enable my power-hitting; it’s the hard work put into playing each ball effectively. During matches and practice sessions, the effort invested in playing shots matters significantly. Hard work is fundamental for executing those shots,” he emphasized.

After sealing the win against LSG, Ashutosh celebrated with a switch-hit, a tribute to the legendary Kevin Pietersen, who popularized the shot during his career. Ashutosh expressed his gratitude, dedicating the celebration to Pietersen for instilling confidence in him to finish the game successfully.

“During that match, I was in communication with KP. He assured me, ‘There’s still plenty of time. Just play your game, express yourself, and believe in yourself.’ His faith in me was inspiring, so I thought it fitting to celebrate like KP. I wanted to dedicate that moment to him, as he is a true legend,” Ashutosh concluded.