From Ball Boy to Big Leagues: Ashutosh Sharma's Dream IPL Debut with Punjab Kings

Mohali : For Ashutosh Sharma, a young cricketer from Ratlam, Madhya Pradesh, life has come full circle. Once a wide-eyed ball boy clutching a selfie with his batting idol Sanjay Bangar, he is now set to share the dressing room with him as part of the Punjab Kings' IPl squad. This remarkable journey, fueled by talent, grit, and a dash of culinary skills, makes Ashutosh a name to watch in the upcoming season.

At just 25, Ashutosh's cricket journey began early. Leaving his hometown at 8 to train at the MPCA academy, he faced financial constraints head-on, even umpiring matches to afford lunch. A self-imposed punishment for a batting slump led him to excel in household chores, culminating in a century – a testament to his discipline and determination.

Beyond the field, Ashutosh is a passionate cook, whipping up delicious paneer curries and ginger tea for his friends. His cricketing heroes include Suryakumar Yadav and local star Naman Ojha. Despite consistent performances, opportunities in Madhya Pradesh were limited, leading him to Railways after a three-year break.

His talent truly shone in the 2023 Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, where he smashed a record-breaking half-century in just 11 balls, catching the eye of the cricket world. Finally, his dream came true when Punjab Kings picked him for a whopping Rs 20 lakh in the IPL auction.

Recalling the tense atmosphere during the auction, Ashutosh described the celebration that erupted when his name was called. The town erupted in joy, putting up posters and celebrating their local boy's achievement. "The hard work has paid off," he declared to his coach, his determination burning bright.

Now, with a clear mission statement - "I want to express myself. I will work even harder to help Punjab Kings win their first trophy" - Ashutosh Sharma is ready to make his mark on the biggest cricketing stage. His story is a reminder that dreams, combined with relentless effort, can truly come true, even for a ball boy with a big heart and a delicious paneer curry recipe.