SHIKHAR DHAWAN HAS BEEN A MENTOR TO ME SINCE MY FIRST TATA IPL CAMP: ASHUTOSH SHARMA

SHIKHAR DHAWAN HAS BEEN A MENTOR TO ME SINCE MY FIRST TATA IPL CAMP: ASHUTOSH SHARMA
 
Following his match-winning knock against Lucknow Super Giants (LSG), Delhi Capitals’ player, Ashutosh Sharma, spoke exclusively on the JioHotstar Press Room with Delhi Capitals. The rising star shared insights about his journey, the role of mentors in his career, and the mindset that drives his game.
 
On the influence of Kevin Pietersen and Shikhar Dhawan
Speaking exclusively on the JioHotstar Press Room with Delhi Capitals, Ashutosh Sharma opened up about the invaluable guidance he has received from modern Cricket greats like Kevin Pietersen and Shikhar Dhawan.
"Legends like Kevin Pietersen and Shikhar Dhawan always guide you on how to approach the game, what their attitude towards the game was, and how you can imbibe that to handle pressure situations. They tell me a lot of things—how calm you should be in those situations, how to keep your head clear. In the last match against LSG, I was talking to Kevin Pietersen. He said, 'Just play your game. Just express yourself. Believe in yourself. That's it.' I felt that he trusted me so much and believed in me. So, I wanted to dedicate that celebration to him because he is a legend."
 
Ashutosh Sharma also spoke about his long-standing relationship with Shikhar Dhawan, whom he considers a mentor.
"He's been a mentor to me since my first TATA IPL camp during my Punjab Kings days. That's when my journey started. After that, I worked on myself mentally with him, not just on my skills, because he always says that 'everyone's skills are different. But your mindset—how you deal with situations, how you manifest yourself—is what truly matters.' That has helped me a lot. After the last match against LSG, I had a chat with Shikhar Dhawan, and he was very happy. He always tells me to stay down to earth, to remain humble. He teaches me not just how to play but also how to live and think. it has changed my life a lot."
 
On his early cricketing days in Ratlam
Ashutosh Sharma also reflected on the moment he first thought about playing professional cricket, taking a trip down memory lane to his early days in Ratlam, Madhya Pradesh.
"I used to play with plastic balls in Ratlam. That's where it all started. A friend of mine from Ratlam took me to a club during summer camp, and that's how my journey began. I started practicing in the nets, and then I played my first match. I think I hit three boundaries in that match, and that gave me a lot of confidence. That’s when I thought, 'I should play professionally.' That moment changed everything for me."
 
On his mindset and approach to the game
Discussing his thought process while playing, Ashutosh Sharma emphasized the importance of adapting to different match situations.
"It all depends on the situation. In the last match, I wasn’t able to hit the ball from the first delivery. It got smoother after 20 balls. But it's all about the situation. If I get just two overs, I have to go for big shots from the first ball. But if I have at least 8-10 overs, the approach is different. It also depends on how many wickets we have in hand. I am very clear in my thoughts. I always focus on my work. The process is important for me. If you follow the process well, the results will come. That’s what I believe in. I don't overthink or worry about what I need to do next. I am happy wherever I am, and whatever happens, I will be happy."
 
With young players like Ashutosh Sharma making their mark in TATA IPL 2025, 'JioHotstar Press Room' continues to bring exclusive insights from players and JioStar experts around standout performances. Catch more such conversations, only on JioHotstar Press Room