Credit: IPL
Delhi Capitals (DC) fans witnessed Ashutosh Sharma’s batting brilliance in their opening Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 game against Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) in Visakhapatnam as their team emerged victorious by one wicket in the last over of the game. Chasing a gigantic target of 210 runs, DC were 65/5 at one stage. In the crunch situation, the right-handed batter held his nerve and stitched crucial stands with Tristan Stubbs and Vipraj Nigam. Following Nigam’s wicket, he didn’t get nervous and continued bashing bowlers. With five required off four, he cleared the fence and finished the game in style in his team’s favour. The 26-year-old got the player of the match (POTM) award for his unbeaten 66 off just 31.
After taking his team home, he was also seen celebrating in a switch-hit style, which impressed his team’s mentor and former England batter Kevin Pietersen. The former England stalwart was known for playing switch hits during his playing days. Back in 2008, he became the first batter to play a switch hit with his shot against New Zealand’s Scott Styris in an ODI game. Celebrating Ashutosh’s celebration, DC took to Instagram and posted, "We know who this celebration was for [Kevin Pietersen, Ashutosh Sharma]." Reacting to the post, Pietersen also replied, "Ashu is a part of our group of young superstars!"
Watch the match-winning celebration of Ashutosh Sharma for DC against LSG here:
Game is not over until Ashutosh is batting: Kevin Pietersen
Following DC’s stupendous win, Pietersen looked exhilarated and commended Ashutosh’s batting effort. He spoke about having faith that the Capitals could win the match until Ashutosh was in the middle. He also appreciated the right-handed batter’s mindset.
"I said this game is not over until Ashutosh is batting. Brilliant, Brilliant! It's all about mindset," remarked Pietersen after the game. DC will next take on the Pat Cummins-led Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) in Visakhapatnam on March 30.
