IPL 2025: Mentor Kevin Pietersen’s sermon fires up Ashutosh Sharma

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There is a difference between playing a good knock and one which can seal a match. If that was the advice from KP - Kevin Pietersen - Ashutosh Sharma beat Lucknow Super Giants to pulp and sealed an incredible victory in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 blockbuster on Monday night in Vizag.

No exaggeration, the fire in Ashutosh's eyes, the hunger in his belly and that glare to dare and finish the match was caught on TV. Unlike Chennai Super Kings and Royal Challengers Bengaluru, Delhi Capitals do not have a bandwagon of supporters who chase the team to each venue and cheer for them.

Had this been the historic Ferozeshah Kotla in New Delhi, even the ramparts would have erupted in joy, for that is where KP had played for the Delhi franchise and entertained. Since the time KP landed in India, which is quite often, he was on a mission. Yes, the hero is Ashutosh whose clinical hitting -- fours and sixes -- left LSG in a state of convulsions, new skipper Rishabh Pant included. What he produced in the last over and that daring six was massive.

The DC camp broke into smiles and KP was celebrating. The matador-turned-mentor was most happy. From being a player, a massive one to then becoming a commentator and then taking up DC mentorship, Kevin Pietersen has been passionate and intense. People often ask what is the role of a mentor, as if it is something like delivering a guest lecture and walking away with a cheque.

No, KP is not that sort of a guy. A fierce competitor, someone who loves nature and more, he has come to Delhi Capitals on a mission. After all, this side has faced tons of criticism. Yet, if there is one spark which was needed, the South African-born superstar provided it to DC and Ashutosh. Winning is not a one-off thing, it has to become a habit. If KP is trying to instil it, he has already won hearts and respect from Ashutosh. Yes, Ashutosh is no stranger. For the record, last year he had smashed Jasprit Bumrah as well for a six in the IPL. The demand from him on Monday was massive, converting a defeat into victory.

See the sequence of smash shots Ashutosh produced, there was no doubt despite the sweat on his face and head plus the red batting gloves he was ready to charge and gore the rivals. Ashutosh's assault was brutal, and the bowler to suffer was Shahbaz Ahmed. For those who do not know enough about Ashutosh, he was with Punjab Kings last year.

He has done well before also, but public memory is short. It is only when cricketers explode and change the whole complexion, it looks new, especially in the IPL. What is new and defining, Ashutosh has arrived as a star for Delhi Capitals. To rub it in, they beat a side where Rishabh Pant, the new LSG skipper missed a stumping chance in the last over.