Ashutosh Sharma

Ashutosh Sharma (born 15 September 1998) is an Indian cricketer.[1] He made his Twenty20 debut for Madhya Pradesh in the 2017–18 Zonal T20 League on 12 January 2018.[2] He made his List A debut on 16 October 2019, for Madhya Pradesh in the 2019–20 Vijay Hazare Trophy.[3]

In the heart of Madhya Pradesh, in the quaint town of Ratlam, where cricket transcends being a mere sport to embody a passion, a young talent emerged - Ashutosh Sharma. Originating from a town with limited cricketing facilities, Ashutosh's journey to the big leagues unfolds as a narrative of determination, resilience, and the unwavering pursuit of a dream.

Ashutosh's romance with cricket blossomed within the boundaries of Madhya Pradesh, where he honed his skills, playing every game with the fervor unique to small-town cricket. Last year, a pivotal move saw him join the Railways, a decision that would later propel him into the limelight.

His heroics in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy became the talk of the town when he smashed a remarkable 11-ball 50, shattering Yuvraj Singh's record. In an inter-railway game, he elevated his game, scoring an astounding 200 runs in just 60 balls. These stellar performances caught the attention of IPL scouts, fulfilling Ashutosh's lifelong dream of playing in the prestigious league.

On the brink of an IPL debut, Ashutosh looks up to cricketing idol Suryakumar Yadav (SKY). His cricketing education includes learning from Naman Ojha, whom he observed closely in the nets.

Ashutosh's journey wasn't paved with luxury. Leaving home at the tender age of 10, he relocated to Indore, seeking better cricketing opportunities. Faced with limited resources, he transitioned to the Railways, where he had to learn to manage everything himself at a young age.

Reflecting on his favorite Punjab Kings match - the 2014 IPL final - Ashutosh's dream of donning the IPL jersey is now within reach. His resilience in the face of financial struggles and the lack of facilities serves as an inspiration to many.

Beyond the cricket field, Ashutosh finds joy in cooking and playing badminton. His signature dish, a paneer curry with rice, showcases his culinary skills. Despite financial hardships, he never burdened his family and even officiated in kids' matches to make ends meet.

After a Punjab Kings batting camp in Mumbai, the new entrant, Ashutosh Sharma was sitting excitedly with his phone in his hand, waiting for former Indian cricketer Sanjay Bangar to arrive. Bangar, the Head of Cricket Development of the franchise, was delighted when Ashutosh showed his 12-year-old selfie alongside him.

While Bangar was a part of the now-defunct Kochi franchise when the selfie was taken, Ashutosh was a young ball boy. Over a decade later, the 25-year-old cricketer will have a chance to train under one of his cricketing idols, as he was picked up by the Punjab franchise for Rs 20 lakhs for the coming edition of the Indian Premier League.