"Gave hope to Punjab when they needed it most" - Fans react to Ashutosh Sharma's blitzkrieg in PBKS vs MI clash of IPL 2024

Ashutosh Sharma starred with the bat for Punjab Kings (PBKS) in their IPL 2024 encounter against Mumbai Indians (MI) in Mullanpur on Thursday, April 18.

PBKS had the challenging task of chasing a stiff 193-run target. Ashutosh walked out to bat at No. 8 when Punjab were reeling at 77/6 after 9.2 overs. The right-handed batter showcased exemplary composure under pressure, giving his team some hope by playing a blinder of a knock.

Ashutosh took the Mumbai bowlers to the cleaners as he notched up his maiden IPL half-century. He ultimately finished with 61 runs off 28 balls. The 25-year-old delighted fans by playing some breathtaking shots, hitting seven sixes and two fours during his stay at the crease.

His heroics with the bat brought the equation down to 25 off 18. While PBKS were in the driver's seat at that stage, Ashutosh was dismissed on the first ball of the 18th over, which swung the pendulum in MI's favour.

Following Ashutosh's knock, several fans took to social media, lauding the talented youngster for his blitzkrieg. Here are some of the top reactions:

Several PBKS fans praised Ashutosh for delivering when their top order big guns failed to make a significant impact in the run chase.

"Wow, your batting was truly exceptional! Your powerful hitting and composed innings brought the game back to life. Watching you bat was a treat, keep up the fantastic work. You gave hope to Punjab when they needed it most, especially at 14-4," wrote a fan.

"Ashutosh Sharma doing for PBKS what MI supposed to get from Hardik Pandya," wrote another.

"Man it's crazy how India has such great batting talent coming up. What a knock this was by Ashutosh Sharma - really wanted him to take Punjab to end!" chimed in another.

While PBKS lost the encounter, Ashutosh earned widespread praise for his fighting knock.

"In end MI jeete but dil to Ashutosh jeet kar le gaya," posted a user.

"No matter if Punjab wins or lose, Ashutosh Sharma has earned a lot of accolades and respect. An innings of highest order, an innings that has given India another amazing lower order batter for T20s. Kudos," commented a fan.

Ashutosh Sharma's heroics went in vain as MI eked out a nine-run victory in the last-over thriller. PBKS were bundled out for 183 in 19.1 overs, slumping to their fifth loss of the season.

---

"Another incredible knock from the young guy" - Sam Curran on Ashutosh Sharma's batting exploits

PBKS' stand-in skipper Sam Curran lauded Ashutosh Sharma for delivering yet another impressive batting performance for the team. However, he expressed his disappointment over the side failing to cross the line yet again in a close encounter.

Curran said during the post-match presentation:

"Another close one, I think this team likes a close one, but unfortunately another loss. Another incredible knock from the young guy (on Ashutosh), but another close loss. It's very tough, you want to lose close games rather then getting absolutely thumped, but we've lost a lot of wickets at the start, the way the younger guys have taken the team so close is heartening (on Shashank Singh and Ashutosh Sharma). They have incredible confidence, you see a guy like Ashutosh having the confidence to play the sweeps and the big hits against pacers, it's so great to watch them in action."

Ashutosh Sharma has mustered 156 runs in four innings at an average of 52.00 and a fantastic strike rate of 205.26 in IPL 2024.