Michael Clarke Heaps Praise on Ashutosh Sharma’s Knock Against LSG
The 2025 edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL) has already witnessed some thrilling matches, but the one between Delhi Capitals (DC) and Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) will be remembered for a long time to come. Ashutosh Sharma’s unbeaten 66 off 31 balls helped DC snatch victory from the jaws of defeat, and former Australia captain Michael Clarke was left in awe of the 26-year-old’s incredible innings.
Clarke, who is known for his expertise in analyzing cricket, heaped heavy praise on Sharma’s knock, stating that it will be one of the top five innings of the tournament by the end of the season. “We’re going to witness many unbelievable innings throughout this IPL, but I promise you, by the end of the tournament, this will be in the top five,” Clarke said.
Sharma’s innings was a masterclass in aggressive batting, as he took the attack to the LSG bowlers from the word go. He hit six fours and four sixes, scoring at a staggering rate of 212.90. His partnership with Rovman Powell, who scored 25 off 15, was instrumental in DC’s victory, as they added 60 runs in just 4.1 overs to take their team to a thrilling one-wicket win.
Clarke, who has played and coached in the IPL, knows a thing or two about what makes a good innings. He praised Sharma’s ability to adapt to different situations and his willingness to take risks. “Ashutosh Sharma’s innings was incredible, the way he adapted to the situation, the way he took the bowlers on, it was a real treat to watch,” Clarke said.
Sharma’s knock was not just about the numbers; it was about the way he batted with intent and aggression. He was not afraid to take risks and play his natural game, which is a quality that Clarke admires. “He (Sharma) is not a player who is looking to block and block, he is looking to score, and that’s what makes him such a dangerous player,” Clarke said.
DC’s victory was a testament to the team’s never-say-die spirit, and Clarke praised the team’s ability to stay calm under pressure. “Delhi Capitals showed great character and composure under pressure, they didn’t give up, and that’s what wins you games in this format,” Clarke said.
The DC-LSG match was a thrilling encounter that had its share of twists and turns. LSG had posted a competitive total of 195/4, thanks to a fine half-century from Quinton de Kock. However, DC’s bowlers did a great job to restrict the opposition to a manageable total.
In response, DC’s top order struggled to get going, but Sharma’s innings changed the course of the game. His partnership with Powell took the pressure off the rest of the batsmen, and DC were able to chase down the target with one wicket to spare.
As the IPL continues to unfold, fans can expect to see many more thrilling matches like the one between DC and LSG. With teams like CSK, MI, and SRH also in the fray, the competition is going to be fierce, and every match will be a closely contested one.
For Sharma, the IPL is a platform to showcase his skills, and he has made the most of it so far. His innings against LSG will be remembered for a long time, and it will be interesting to see how he fares in the rest of the tournament.
In conclusion, Ashutosh Sharma’s knock against LSG was a masterclass in aggressive batting, and Michael Clarke’s praise is a testament to the quality of the innings. DC’s victory was a thrilling one, and it will be interesting to see how the team fares in the rest of the tournament.
