'You are not a slogger and you play cricketing shots' - Ashutosh Sharma reveals Sanjay Bangar's game-changing advice

Despite the top-order of the Punjab Kings (PBKS) succumbing to yet another capitulation and the side losing yet another match in IPL 2024, Ashutosh Sharma's stellar display with the bat against the Mumbai Indians won everyone's hearts, which in turn put a substantial amount of limelight on the 25-year-old. The Ratlam-born hard-hitter, in just his fourth match, scored a phenomenal 61 (28), but his valiant efforts ultimately went in vain as PBKS turned up on the losing side.

Ashutosh brought up his maiden IPL half-century in just 23 deliveries, thumping a delivery to the long-off fence for a maximum off Akash Madhwal's bowling. His celebration was quite peculiar, and he was asked about the same by reporters in the post-match conference. He revealed that they were for Head of Cricket Development, Sanjay Bangar, for giving him a platform to exhibit his skills with the bat.

Ashutosh mentioned that it was Bangar who made it clear to Ashutosh that he wasn't just another slogger and that he had all the cricketing shots in his lexicon to execute during real-time match situations. He stated that the small dose of encouragement has turned out to be a big game-changer for him, both mentally and physically, while carrying himself to the centre of the ground to bat. 

Also Read: It was my dream to hit a sweep shot off Jasprit Bumrah: Ashutosh Sharma

"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. 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 stated.

We are working hard, our intent is good: Ashutosh on PBKS' campaign so far

Out of the seven games played by PBKS so far, four out of their five losses thus far have come in matches which have gone right down the wire. Despite a bunch of undesirable outcomes for the team, Ashutosh stated that they were working hard as a collective unit, while having the right intent in mind. He also remarked that winning and losing is a core characteristic of the game, and that if they keep on playing with the right spirit like they have been in many matches during this campaign, they will slowly see brigher days at the end of the tunnel.

Also Read: PBKS vs MI: Tilak Varma's wild slog hits spider cam, Harshal Patel yells in anger

"We are working hard. Our intent is good. Winning and losing is a 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," added Ashutosh.