As the cricket world gears up for the 19th edition of the Indian Premier League, all eyes are on the rising stars who have the potential to turn a match on its head in a matter of deliveries. Lotus365 Blue One such name that has become synonymous with "ice-cold finishing" is Ashutosh Sharma.

In an exclusive sit-down ahead of the IPL 2026 season, the Delhi Capitals (DC) dynamo opened up about his transition from a breakout sensation to a seasoned finisher, and more importantly, how the arrival of KL Rahul and the leadership of Axar Patel have fundamentally reshaped his approach to the game.

The Mentorship of KL Rahul: "Calmness is a Superpower"

When Delhi Capitals secured KL Rahul for a staggering INR 14 Crore in the 2025 mega auction, the impact was expected to be on the scoreboard. However, for Ashutosh, the impact was felt in the dressing room.

"Playing alongside KL Rahul has helped me grow a lot. I’ve learned how he approaches the game, especially how he handles pressure situations. His experience is something young players like me can really benefit from," Ashutosh shared during the interview.

Rahul, known for his technical prowess and steady temperament, has reportedly been a sounding board for Ashutosh. The youngster noted that watching Rahul's "visualisation" techniques and his ability to remain unfazed by a rising required run rate has been a masterclass in professional T20 batting.

Captaincy with Clarity: The Axar Patel Effect

With Axar Patel stepping into the captaincy role for DC, the team culture has shifted toward a more relaxed yet focused environment. Ashutosh credits Axar for giving him the "license to fail," which ironically has led to more success.

"Axar Patel leads with calmness and clarity," Ashutosh explained. Even after the team's narrow miss of the playoffs in 2025, the captain's message remained consistent: learn, prepare, and return stronger. This "no-pressure" environment has allowed Ashutosh to thrive in the high-stakes role of a finisher at Number 6 or 7.

The Evolution of a Finisher

Ashutosh burst onto the scene with Punjab Kings in 2024, but it was his 2025 season with Delhi Capitals that solidified his reputation. Who could forget his sensational 66 off 31 balls* against Lucknow Super Giants? It was a heist that announced him as a genuine match-winner.

Heading into 2026, Ashutosh isn't looking to reinvent the wheel. Instead, he’s focusing on:

• Visualisation: Mentally playing out match scenarios before they happen.

• Adaptability: Deciding when to "go all guns blazing" and when to play cautiously based on the pitch.

• Consistency: Turning those "cameos" into match-winning finishes more regularly.

A "Well-Balanced" DC for 2026

With the addition of power-hitters like David Miller and veteran bowlers like Mitchell Starc, Ashutosh believes this is DC’s most balanced squad yet.

"The preparation is going very well. We have attended 3-4 pre-season camps. My role would be similar to last year... I want to win as many games as possible," he asserted.

The Road to the Blue Jersey

While the ultimate dream remains the Indian national team, Ashutosh is keeping his feet firmly on the ground. For him, the focus isn't on the selectors, but on the next ball. With his current strike rate hovering around the 180 mark, it won't be long before the "Miracle Chase Master" finds himself in the national conversation.

Delhi Capitals kick off their 2026 campaign against Lucknow Super Giants on April 1. If Ashutosh's current form and mindset are anything to go by, the LSG bowlers might be in for another long night.

What do you think of Ashutosh Sharma's role in the DC squad? Can he propel them to their first IPL title in 2026? Let us know in the comments below!