• Sportzyverse
• IPL 2024
• 04/19/2024
• 0 Comments

There were several instances during the Punjab Kings’ (PBKS) 193-run chase against Mumbai Indians (MI) that seemed to tilt the match in MI’s favour. At various points, PBKS found themselves at precarious positions such as 14/4, 49/5, 77/6, and 111/7. However, the Kings kept fighting back, with several partnerships bringing them closer to victory. The most significant partnership came from Ashutosh Sharma and Harpreet Brar, who added 57 runs in just 30 balls for the eighth wicket. Although PBKS ultimately fell short by nine runs on Thursday at the new PCA Stadium in Mullanpur, Ashutosh’s performance stood out. He scored 61 runs in 28 balls, including seven sixes, marking his first IPL fifty.

Ashutosh’s Tribute to Sanjay Bangar and Team Management

When asked about his celebration, Ashutosh revealed that he was expressing gratitude to PBKS head of cricket development Sanjay Bangar and the rest of the team management for their faith in him.

“The celebrations were for Sanjay Bangar Sir. I am working a lot under him and he keeps guiding me. He has given me a chance. I also wanted to thank the Punjab team for showing faith in me—our Head Coach Trevor Bayliss, Ashish Kapoor paaji, and Shikhar Dhawan paaji who have believed in me,” he said during the post-match press conference.

Ashutosh credited Bangar’s words of wisdom for improving his performance. Bangar emphasised to him that he is not a slogger and should focus on playing proper cricketing shots. This advice has transformed Ashutosh’s game.

“Sanjay Sir has taught me that I am not a slogger and that I play cricketing shots and I need to focus on that. This small statement has become a big one for me. I am following the same and that has changed my game. The shots I play are all cricketing shots,” Ashutosh added.

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PBKS on the Right Path

Despite a few close losses this season, Ashutosh is confident that PBKS is on the right track. He emphasised that the team is working hard, and if they continue their efforts, they will secure wins in the future.

“We are working hard. Our intent is good. Winning and losing is part of the game. It matters how you are playing, and we are playing well as a team. If we continue in the same vein of form, we will do better and win the games,” the 25-year-old stated.

When asked about Punjab’s top order, Ashutosh emphasised that cricket is a team sport and any player can be a match-winner on any given night.

“It’s part of the game. Sometimes, the openers score runs, and sometimes the middle orders do. This keeps happening. It’s a team game. We all have to do well. We have to focus on our process and not on winning and losing. If the process is correct, we will keep going in the right direction,” he concluded.

Ashutosh’s memorable performance against MI highlights his growth as a player and the positive influence of Sanjay Bangar’s mentorship. As PBKS continues their IPL journey, they will look to build on the progress shown by players like Ashutosh.