To hit a sweep shot off Jasprit Bumrah was my dream, says Ashutosh Sharma

When Ashutosh Sharma hit Jasprit Bumrah for a massive six on April 18 during the Punjab Kings’ (PBKS) run chase against the Mumbai Indians (MI), it was one of the most thrilling moments of the current IPL 2024 season. His valiant efforts were, however, eventually futile as PBKS lost their fifth season.

As the 25-year-old Ashutosh approached the crease in the tenth over, the Punjab-based team, trailing 193, was suffering at 77/6. At that point, 10.88 was the required rate. Sharma launched a methodical attack. In just 18 T20 innings, he had already established himself as a six-hit monster by clearing the ropes 43 times.

His greatest moment came when he faced the top wicket-taker in the tournament, Bumrah, in the 13th over. After Bumrah overstepped, Ashutosh played a free hit, ramping a draw into the stands behind square leg by going low and across his off-stump. In his 28-ball 61, Ashutosh hit two boundaries and seven sixes.

Making a sweep shot off Jasprit Bumrah was my fantasy come true. I’ve been working on these shots. It’s quite common because it’s a cricket match. We must concentrate on our procedure. Ashutosh stated in a post-game speech, “I felt confidence in my ability to win when I was playing.

It changed everything for me and elevated my game. Ashutosh Sharma

With his renewed confidence, Ashutosh attributed it to a motivational conversation he had with Sanjay Bangar, the Head of Cricket Development at Punjab.

“You play proper cricketing shots, and you should focus on [honing] that,” Sanjay [Bangar] sir told me. You’re not a slogger. His modest but sincere remark and expression of confidence changed everything for me and elevated my game. Ashutosh stated, “I’m just trying to follow it right now.

Also read: In T20 format, when the ball swings for the first two overs, you do want to make an impact: Jasprit Bumrah

Mumbai reached 192/7 thanks to 78 from Suryakumar Yadav, but Punjab fell nine runs short and were bowled for 183 despite Ashutosh’s late assault. Bumrah and Gerald Coetzee shared six wickets between them.

PBKS dropped to ninth place in the standings with four points following their loss against the Hardik Pandya-led team. Their next match is scheduled for April 21 at home against Gujarat Titans.