Cricket is the heartbeat of India, with kids playing it in every alleyway. The competition is fierce, and Delhi Capitals’ star player Ashutosh Sharma knows this all too well. His journey began with a T20 league debut for Madhya Pradesh in 2017. He made his List-A debut in the 2019-20 Vijay Hazare Trophy season and even played in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy.
Ashutosh faced a tough time when Chandrakant Pandit became the new coach of Madhya Pradesh in 2020. Pandit is currently the head coach of the Kolkata Knight Riders in the IPL. According to India Today, Ashutosh revealed that despite his consistent good performance, he was dropped from the team. He felt the new coach didn’t like him and was ignored even after performing well.
This experience took a toll on Ashutosh’s mental health. He recalled scoring 84 runs in his last T20 match for Madhya Pradesh in 2019. “A new coach came in, and I guess he didn’t like me. I scored 90 runs in 40-45 balls during the selection trials, but I wasn’t picked for the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy. I had a great year, but not being selected pushed me into depression,” Ashutosh said.
Ashutosh was never told what he did wrong or why he was dropped from the team. Luckily, he got a chance to play for the Railways team that year. He even scored a fifty in just 11 balls in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy.
The Road to Recovery
Ashutosh’s story is a reminder that even in the cutthroat world of cricket, mental health matters. He found solace in his game and eventually made his way back to the top. His journey serves as a testament to the resilience of athletes who face setbacks but refuse to give up.
A New Beginning
Today, Ashutosh is a key player for the Delhi Capitals, and his story inspires many young cricketers in India. He proved that with hard work and determination, it’s possible to overcome even the toughest challenges and achieve success in the competitive world of cricket.