Shikhar Dhawan & Kevin Pietersen Mentorship Shaped My IPL Journey: Ashutosh Sharma

Ashutosh Sharma, Delhi Capitals star, has been making waves in IPL 2025. In an exclusive interview on the JioHotstar Press Room with Delhi Capitals, Ashutosh opened up about the profound influence that cricketing legends Shikhar Dhawan and Kevin Pietersen have had on his career.

Ashutosh Sharma expressed his gratitude towards Shikhar Dhawan, who has been a guiding force since his early days in the IPL.

The Influence of Cricketing Greats

"He's been a mentor to me since my first IPL camp during my Punjab Kings days. That's when my journey began. After that, I worked on myself mentally with him. Shikhar Bhai always emphasizes the importance of mindset, not just skills. He believes how you deal with situations and manifest yourself truly matters. That guidance has helped me tremendously. After our last match against LSG, I had a chat with him, and he was so happy. He always advises me to stay humble and grounded, which has shaped my perspective on and off the field."

Ashutosh also highlighted Kevin Pietersen's impact on his mindset

"Kevin Pietersen has always been encouraging. Before the match against LSG, he simply told me, 'Just play your game. Express yourself. Believe in yourself.' Hearing that from a legend like him meant a lot. I felt immense confidence knowing he trusted and believed in me. I even dedicated my celebration to him after the match."

From Plastic Balls to IPL Glory

Reflecting on his cricketing journey, Ashutosh fondly recalled his early days in Ratlam, Madhya Pradesh.

"It all started with plastic balls. A friend of mine took me to a local club during a summer camp. I started practicing in the nets, and soon I played my first match. I remember hitting three boundaries in that game, which gave me the confidence to pursue cricket professionally. That moment changed everything for me."

Clarity in Approach and Match Strategy

When asked about his approach to the game, Ashutosh emphasized the importance of adaptability.

"My mindset depends on the match situation. During the last game, it wasn't easy to score from the first delivery. It only got smoother after facing around 20 balls. However, if I have just two overs, I know I need to go for big shots immediately. But with 8-10 overs and wickets in hand, my strategy changes. I keep my thoughts clear and focus on the process, believing that the results will follow. I don't overthink; I stay content with wherever I am."