IPL 2025: Bangar Praises Ashutosh’s Spin Mastery in DC’s Thrilling Victory
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Synopsis
Sanjay Bangar praised Ashutosh Sharma's remarkable innings, which played a crucial role in Delhi Capitals' surprising win over Lucknow Super Giants in IPL 2025, emphasizing his improved technique against spin bowlers.
Key Takeaways
- Ashutosh Sharma scored 66 not out off 31 balls.
- His innings included impressive shots against spin bowlers.
- DC overcame a tough situation at 65/5 to win.
- Young players are making a significant impact in IPL 2025.
- IPL enhances players' skills and confidence.
New Delhi, March 25 (NationPress) Sanjay Bangar, the former Indian cricketer and batting coach, highlighted that the most encouraging aspect of Ashutosh Sharma's explosive 31-ball 66 not out, which secured Delhi Capitals (DC) an unlikely one-wicket victory over Lucknow Super Giants (LSG), was his impressive stroke-making against spin.
With DC struggling at 65/5 in the seventh over, Ashutosh entered the crease and began with 20 runs off 20 balls before accelerating to blast an incredible 46 runs off just 11 balls, leading his team to a remarkable win with only three balls remaining at the ACA-VDCA Stadium in Visakhapatnam.
According to Bangar, who observed Ashutosh closely during his tenure with Punjab Kings in IPL 2024, the all-rounder displayed exceptional skill against spinners, hammering leg-spinner Ravi Bishnoi for two fours and two sixes, along with hitting boundaries off Digvesh Singh Rathi and Shahbaz Ahmed. “In the Punjab Kings context, he exhibited remarkable performance because, if you analyze Punjab Kings' previous season, it fundamentally revolved around two players, Ashutosh and Shashank (Singh), who brought the team close to victory using their extraordinary abilities.”
“This season, what stood out in his innings was his approach to spin bowling since he faced challenges against spin last season. He was dismissed by spin on several occasions, particularly by left-arm spinners.”
“He has evidently returned to rectify those issues, and considering the LSG bowling line-up, a significant portion of their overs were bowled by spinners. For him, it must be immensely gratifying that, in addition to pace—against which he excels—his overall performance against spin is indeed a commendable factor,” stated Bangar, a JioStar expert, during a virtual discussion regarding the 18th edition of the tournament.
IPL 2025 has witnessed the emergence of younger talents like Ashutosh, Vipraj Nigam, Vignesh Puthur, and even established Indian players like Ishan Kishan shine, even with legends like Virat Kohli, MS Dhoni, and Rohit Sharma in the mix.
Bangar noted that the bold performances of these younger players stem from the opportunities the IPL provides, enabling them to make significant contributions to their teams' success. “The impact of the IPL on Indian teams is monumental; the exposure, competition, and viewership during the tournament help domestic players mature mentally, making them feel like they belong at the highest level.”
“This has been a significant advantage for the Indian team. Even if some players are unavailable, the team's strength remains intact due to a continuous influx of talented young players who are ready not just to make an impression but to clinch victories for their teams.”
“Thanks to the IPL, Indian cricket is in an exceptionally strong position. I would assert that even if we field a B team, they would give most international teams a run for their money, primarily due to the exposure that the IPL provides,” he concluded.
