IPL 2025: Ashutosh Sharma Highlights DC's Pitch Awareness
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Synopsis
Ahead of their IPL 2025 opener, Ashutosh Sharma from Delhi Capitals remarks that the team is well-acquainted with the pitch's behavior. He shares insights on their preparation, team dynamics under Axar Patel's captaincy, and his personal focus on delivering strong performances.
Key Takeaways
- Pitch Awareness: The team understands the pitch from prior experiences.
- Thorough Preparation: DC has trained extensively for varied conditions.
- Team Dynamics: Positive atmosphere under Axar Patel’s leadership.
- Role Clarity: Ashutosh has clear expectations for his role in the team.
- Focus on the Process: Ashutosh emphasizes maintaining a process-oriented mindset during matches.
New Delhi, April 12 (NationPress) - As the Delhi Capitals (DC) gear up for their inaugural match in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 against the Mumbai Indians (MI) at the Arun Jaitley Stadium, lower-order batsman Ashutosh Sharma emphasized that each member of the team is well-acquainted with the pitch's characteristics, thanks to their prior experiences during the domestic cricket season.
DC held a brief camp at this venue in March before proceeding to a pre-season training session in Visakhapatnam. Last year, the pitches yielded high scores for both teams, ultimately ranking among the top venues for run rates.
With the pitch's behavior being a topic of speculation ahead of Sunday’s match, it will be intriguing to observe its impact, especially as discussions about home advantage concerning pitches have gained traction this season.
“Everyone is aware of how the wicket plays here. There’s been a surge in domestic cricket, so we are all knowledgeable about the pitch's behavior. Therefore, there is no concern regarding that,” stated Sharma.
“Our preparations have been thorough because in IPL, you need to adapt to various conditions. As long as our training and preparation are robust, the location, whether it’s Delhi or Visakhapatnam, won’t matter,” he added during the pre-match press briefing on Saturday.
Sharma also praised skipper Axar Patel, noting that under his leadership, DC has emerged as the only unbeaten team in the tournament. “Axar bhai's captaincy is commendable. He has been steering the team excellently. The young players feel at ease with him, allowing me to discuss anything openly, and the team environment is very positive.”
Since his remarkable 66 not out secured a narrow victory for DC against the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) in their season opener in Visakhapatnam, Sharma has found limited opportunities to bat. However, he reassured that he remains unfazed, focusing instead on performing at his best whenever the opportunity arises, regardless of the circumstances.
“I don’t adhere to a specific mindset. I trust in my skills and concentrate on the process, which is pivotal. I don’t dwell on victory or defeat after a match. My emphasis is always on the process, making it simpler to manage pressure,” he explained.
“As I mentioned, I focus on the process, and everything else will align. When my turn to bat comes, I seize the opportunity. If I don’t get to bat, I intensify my practice. I keep things straightforward and avoid feeling pressured, having learned that I need to perform well.”
“Regarding batting, the key aspect is the situation. What’s the context? If I come in early, I have time to settle in. If I arrive later, I need to be aggressive. It all hinges on the situation.”
Ashutosh has also benefited from focused preparation after receiving clear directives for his role in IPL 2025, guided by head coach Hemang Badani prior to the tournament.
“The management has made it clear that my responsibility is to finish matches for the team. They prepared me accordingly during our pre-season camps,” he added.
“During those sessions, I practiced batting at positions six or seven, participated in nets, and discussed which shots I needed to enhance. The head coach and others indicated that I should focus on improving my batting, and this is how we work.”
Sharma concluded by expressing his joy over the supportive team environment at DC and his eagerness to compete at their original home ground. “I am thrilled. The team atmosphere is fantastic. This is my first year in Delhi, and I was highly anticipating it before the season commenced.”
“Given our current performance, I feel proud to represent the Delhi Capitals. I am even more excited now that we are back in Delhi, playing in front of our home crowd and fans. I can’t wait to get on the field.”
