Ashutosh Sharma dedicated his “Player of the Match” award to mentor and former India opener Shikhar Dhawan after he led the Delhi Capitals to a thrilling one-wicket victory over the Lucknow Super Giants with an outstanding effort of 66 not out.

Ashutosh’s special video call with Dhawan personally added even more significance to the occasion; the Delhi Capitals posted the footage on social media, and it quickly gained popularity.

He was ecstatic. In a video that DC posted, Ashutosh remarked, “I love you, paaji.”

Before the former declared his retirement from the game, Dhawan and Ashutosh played together at Punjab Kings (PBKS) the previous season. During their time together at Punjab Kings, Dhawan, who announced his retirement from all forms of cricket earlier this year, served as Ashutosh’s mentor.

Ashutosh’s development as a player was greatly influenced by the former India opener, who was renowned for his poise and leadership. Beyond the Punjab Kings lineup, Dhawan served as a mentor to several young cricket players, helping to shape their careers.

I had learned from the previous year and also missed a few opportunities to complete the game during the previous season. I concentrated and visualized it during the entire year. I thought that anything could happen if I played till the very end of the over. Well done, Vipraj. I urged him to continue striking. Under pressure, he remained remarkably composed. After winning “Player of the Match,” Ashutosh remarked, “I want to dedicate this award to my mentor Shikhar Paaji.”

Axar Patel, the captain of DC, chose to field first after winning the toss. Before Mitchell Starc’s outstanding overs in the final overs helped DC limit LSG to 209/8, LSG openers Aiden Markram and Mitchell Marsh made the most of the powerplay overs.

Ashutosh, who entered the game as an Impact Substitute, changed the course of the match by hitting an undefeated 66 off 31 balls while chasing 210, giving DC their most successful run chase in IPL history. Vipraj, 20, meanwhile, struck a brilliant 39 off 15 balls, which was vital in quickening the innings.