IPL 2025: Ashutosh's 'extraordinary' innings will be cherished for years, stars commend DC batters' brilliance
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Synopsis
Ashutosh Sharma's stunning 31-ball 66 not out guided Delhi Capitals to a thrilling one-wicket win against Lucknow Super Giants in IPL 2025, drawing praise from legends like Sunil Gavaskar and Michael Clarke. His performance is expected to be remembered as one of the tournament's best.
Key Takeaways
- Ashutosh Sharma scored 66 runs off 31 balls.
- His innings included five sixes and five fours.
- DC chased down a target of 210 runs.
- Sunil Gavaskar and Michael Clarke praised his performance.
- This match is considered one of the best in IPL history.
New Delhi, March 25 (NationPress) Ashutosh Sharma is garnering accolades from every corner after his remarkable 31-ball 66 not out propelled Delhi Capitals (DC) to a stunning one-wicket victory over Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) in IPL 2025, with many describing his performance as extraordinary and one that will be cherished for years.
One notable compliment came from cricketing legend Sunil Gavaskar, who praised Ashutosh's exceptional stroke play during his outstanding innings.
“We witnessed him perform similarly last year - he played some incredible innings, and his confidence has only soared since then. Once you’ve accomplished it before, you approach the next season with even more self-assurance. He’s also had another season of domestic cricket, where he has been hitting the ball powerfully and scoring freely, so he entered the game brimming with confidence,” Gavaskar stated on JioHotstar.
“From the very first ball, he was striking the ball beautifully from the middle of the bat, sending it soaring - these weren’t just occasional sixes clearing the boundary; they were consistently landing in the stands. This innings will be remembered for a long, long time - not only because of the quality of stroke play but also due to the high-pressure scenario,” he added.
In pursuit of a challenging target of 210, DC encountered a challenging situation after losing significant wickets of Jake Fraser-McGurk and Abishek Porel in the first over. Nevertheless, Vipraj Nigam and Ashutosh stepped up, orchestrating a remarkable comeback to clinch a historic victory.
Former Australia captain Michael Clarke also shared his thoughts on Ashutosh's innings, suggesting that by the end of the tournament, his performance will rank among the top five.
“Honestly, Lucknow Super Giants will reassess everything - the captaincy choices made by Rishabh Pant, the execution with the ball - whether they opted correctly for spin or pace. However, sometimes, in this sport, you simply have to credit the opposition. That innings by Ashutosh was extraordinary. We’re bound to witness many incredible innings throughout this IPL, but I assure you, by the conclusion of the tournament, this will be in the top five,” remarked Clarke.
Ashutosh emerged as an Impact Substitute at No. 7 in DC's chase of 210 when the scoreboard indicated 65/5 in the seventh over. He made a game-changing impact, scoring an unbeaten 66 off 31 balls, highlighted by five sixes and as many fours. He received support first from Tristan Stubbs (34 in 22) and then from IPL debutant Vipraj, who contributed 39 in 15 balls as DC achieved their highest successful run chase in IPL history.
“That was a match-winning performance, single-handedly turning the game around. His team was on the verge of defeat, and he rose to the occasion. All he needed was the strike - everyone knew he was either going to hit a six or a four. Honestly, you just have to sit back, applaud, and appreciate that innings, regardless of which team you support. It was extraordinary,” concluded the Aussie.
