From Quaint City of Ratlam to Punjab Kings' Den, Ashutosh Sharma All Set to Embark on His IPL Journey | Exclusive

In December 2023, cricketers from across India and around the world were going under the hammer at the IPL 2024 players’ auction in Dubai. Some of them drew astronomical bids from the various franchises and those who went for modest amounts, were satisfied at being a part of this cash-right mega T20 competition.

Far away from the UAE, people in Ratlam, Madhya Pradesh, were ecstatic as they celebrated like Diwali had come again in December. This time the reason was Ashutosh Sharma’s IPL signing,  a local lad and son of an ESI hospital compounder was going to rub shoulders with some of the greats of the game.

“I was with my friends when I got picked in the accelerated round. But my family was receiving too many calls. People started bursting crackers. It was a Diwali-like atmosphere all around. It was a great thing for all of us,” Ashutosh revealed in an exclusive conversation with News18 CricketNext.

The Journey Begins

In Ratlam, cricket is nothing more than a mere sport to fuel someone’s passion and for Ashutosh, it wasn’t easy to flourish with that dream. Just like any other kid, he too started playing the game at the age of 6-7 but pursuing it as a profession demanded him to leave his comfort zone. He relocated to Indore at the age of 10, seeking better cricketing opportunities.

Playing for Madhya Pradesh, a state association with a rich history, wasn’t a cakewalk. Despite making the hard yards, Ashutosh couldn’t make the cut in the Under-19 team. He pushed his limits for something better, finally making it to the Under-23 side and also playing with the senior MP boys in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy.

In 2019, he played four Under-23 games and notched up hundreds against Tamil Nadu and Delhi. He also featured in seven SMAT games for MP, scoring 233 runs and three fifties.

However, the performances amounted to nothing when the MP management changed the following year and subsequently, Ashutosh was nowhere in the scheme of things.

“Next year, the coach and management changed. The snub was too depressing. My life was heading nowhere with the urge to give up,” he recalls.

‘Bas ho gaya, ab aur nahi’

Once he was out of MP’s radar, Ashutosh had to spend two years on the sidelines. It was a phase that took a toll on his life so much so that he thought of giving up cricket almost every day.

“Bas ho gaya, ab aur nahi (I’m done. I can’t do it anymore). I did have that thought, in fact, multiple times. I had almost given up and also informed my family. I wasn’t selected for the MP U-19s and was away from domestic cricket for two years despite performing well,” Ashutosh said.

“So, my mind was caught up with negative thoughts. I was kind of depressed. But I also knew that I didn’t know anything else but cricket. So, that’s why I kept coming back,” he added.

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Railways – the new home

A shattered Ashutosh found a lifeline when the Railways came calling.

“We played the U-23 final that year and then I got an opportunity to play for the Railways. I attended the trials and was selected. Last year I played U-25 and got the opportunity to be in the senior team this year, across formats,” he said.

“It was a life-changing decision for me to shift my bases from MP to Railways. I didn’t know anything about the team but the secretary and the coaches helped me grow and flourish,” he added.

He made his T20 debut for the new side last year. The boy from Ratlam, who eventually landed in the Railways team, announced his arrival by breaking the legendary Yuvraj Singh’s record for the fastest T20 fifty, reaching the feat in just 11 balls against Arunachal.

“I didn’t know that I broke some record. So, when I was fielding, at third-man position, the scorer told me and I was surprised. And when I returned to the team hotel, I saw my phone buzzing with loads of messages and that’s when I realised the significance,” he added.

Start of IPL Journey

Ashutosh is set to embark on a new journey with the Punjab Kings in the IPL. A disciple of former India batter Amay Khurasiya, he is excited and thrilled to join the Sher Squad, hoping to learn from the accomplished stars and coaches.

“I’m excited and hungry to learn new things, from Shikhar Paji and all the big names. And apart from that, I just want to express myself and apply whatever I’ve learned so far. I’m focusing on playing fearless and not thinking too much, that’s been the planning till now,” he said.

“It’s very clear that if you play good cricket, things will fall in place for you. I’m not at all bothered by the fact that I may or may not get the chance (to play). As a cricketer, I just want to enjoy the games throughout the season,” he added.

Playing Under Dhawan’s Wings

Ashutosh has already gelled well with his captain Shikhar Dhawan and has learned a few new tricks as well. Not just the lessons but a new bat from the veteran India batter has delighted the newcomer.

“Shikhar Paji has taught me a few new things at the camp. Also, he taught me to keep my mind calm and in control which is pretty good. But what made me the happiest was he gave me a bat during the camp,” he said.