KL Rahul Set to Return for Delhi Capitals Against Sunrisers Hyderabad

Good news for Delhi Capitals fans! Star batter KL Rahul will be back in action on Sunday (March 30) when DC takes on Sunrisers Hyderabad at the Dr. Y.S. Rajasekhara Reddy ACA-VDCA Cricket Stadium in Visakhapatnam. The 32-year-old missed the first match of the season as he was celebrating the birth of his child, but he is now ready to rejoin the team, according to reports. Journalist Gaurav Gupta shared the update on Twitter, saying, "Having just become a father, India's white-ball keeper-batter KL Rahul is set to turn out for Delhi Capitals' second match of IPL 2025 vs Sunrisers Hyderabad on March 30."

🚨 GOOD NEWS FOR KL FANS 🚨

Rahul is set to be available for the next IPL match on Sunday against SRH. [Gaurav Gupta from TOI] pic.twitter.com/0fhwneTaeN

— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) March 26, 2025

Delhi Capitals Excited for K.L. Rahul’s Return 

K.L. Rahul’s comeback makes a huge impact for Delhi Capitals. He has been one of the most consistent players in IPL history, scoring 4,683 runs in 132 matches at an average of 45.47. His presence will add experience and stability to the team’s batting lineup.

ALSO READ: Rabada’s bold take: ‘T20 is just batting, not cricket—where’s the balance?’ 

After leaving Lucknow Super Giants (LSG), Rahul was signed by Delhi Capitals for a whopping INR 14 crore. In their first game of the season, DC, led by Axar Patel, secured a thrilling one-wicket win against Rahul’s former team, thanks to a brilliant performance from Ashutosh Sharma. 

When Will Delhi Capitals Play Next?

Delhi Capitals will play against Sunrisers Hyderabad on Saturday afternoon. Both teams have started the season svery good and will be aiming to continue their winning run. With Rahul back in the squad, DC fans have plenty to be excited about.

When Ashutosh Sharma struck the winning six in Visakhapatnam, the Delhi Capitals dugout couldn't contain itself. It was happiness, shock, relief, and pride all mixed.

Only a few moments ago, the atmosphere was tense. DC had only one wicket left, and they needed six runs to win. Everyone was tense. Some players sat transfixed. Others stood anxiously, praying for a miracle.

Then Ashutosh did it. He walked out and hit the ball straight over the bowler's head for six. As soon as the ball was hit by the bat, the dugout erupted.

Players leaped out of their seats. Fists pumped high in the air. Smiles, hugs, and celebration shouts erupted in the dugout. Axar Patel resembled a final winner. Faf du Plessis was clapping vigorously, sporting the widest smile. Support staff rushed onto the ground to hug the man of the night.

Ashutosh stood with his arms aloft, his teammates running towards him. He had achieved the unthinkable taking DC from the verge of defeat to a nail-biting one-wicket victory.

ALSO SEE: Shikhar Dhawan, Not Kevin Pietersen, Behind Ashutosh Sharma’s Success

THE DC DUGOUT WHEN ASHUTOSH FINISHED THE MATCH. ❤️pic.twitter.com/bbdDjXY1He

— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) March 25, 2025

That moment in the dugout wasn't about strategy or numbers. It was about the heart. About believing until the final ball. And about a young man who made a whole team and their fans believe big.

It was a night the DC dugout will not soon forget.

Kevin Pietersen may have received quick credit for Ashutosh Sharma’s brilliant innings against LSG, but Ashutosh made sure Shikhar Dhawan’s contribution was not forgotten. As his post-match interview with Murali Kartik was about to end, Ashutosh raised his hands and said, “I want to dedicate this Player of the Match award to my mentor Shikhar Paaji. He’s not here... Thank you.” His emotions got the better of him, and he couldn’t complete the sentence, but he didn’t need to. Dhawan and everyone watching understood exactly what he meant.

ASHUTOSH × DHAWAN...!!! 🥹❤️

- Dhawan congratulating Ashutosh after the terrific finish against Lucknow.

Ashutosh played under Dhawan in Punjab Kings during last season. pic.twitter.com/Ml8qoLtLCs

— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) March 25, 2025

 
While Ashutosh showed his gratitude to Pietersen with a switch-hit gesture, he made it clear that Dhawan had played a big role in his journey. Dhawan has been his mentor for a long time, strongly supporting his batting talent, especially during their time together at Punjab Kings.

ALSO READ: Tamim Iqbal dead? latest update on his health condition 

On Monday, as soon as Dhawan entered the dressing room, he video-called Ashutosh to congratulate him. DC shared the video of their conversation, where Ashutosh kept saying "Thank you" repeatedly. When asked what Dhawan had told him, he smiled and said, “Paaji was very happy.”

Delhi Capitals' emerging sensation, Ashutosh Sharma, delivered a match-winning performance in the latest IPL 2025 fixture, earning him the prestigious Player of the Match (POTM) award. His fearless batting and composure under pressure helped DC secure a crucial victory.

During the presentation after the match, Ashutosh expressed his affection for Shikhar by handing the award to his mentor, Shikhar Dhawan, and happily addressing him as "Shikhar Paaji." He said that his leader had helped him so much and had been by his side in all the good and bad instances he had been through.

Delhi Capitals' new hero, Ashutosh Sharma, dedicates his POTM award to Shikhar Dhawan❤️ pic.twitter.com/Nd51VbQr8e

— CricTracker (@Cricketracker) March 24, 2025

Also Read: Most sixes in IPL’s 20th over: The ultimate finishers

Ashutosh Sharma knew no bounds as he made an unbeaten 66 runs off 31 balls, striking five fours along with five sixes during the Delhi Capitals' one-wicket win against a strong Lucknow Super Giants side, who were chasing a tough total of 210. His 28-ball fifty and a crucial 64-run partnership with Vipraj Nigam in 22 balls turned the game, securing Delhi’s highest-ever IPL chase with three balls to spare.

Shikhar Dhawan, a veteran along with being the most successful IPL batsman in Indian cricket, is known to be a tutor of young cricketers due to his longevity in the cricket field. His style and behavior on the field are the things that many young players look up to. His experience, leadership, and winning attitude to the game have been the models for many of the up-and-coming superstars, Ashutosh Sharma being the last one to claim that Dhawan has been instrumental in his development.

Delhi Capitals (DC) won the thrilling match against Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) in IPL 2025. LSG scored 209/8, and Nicholas Pooran scored 75 runs. DC was in trouble at 113/6, but Ashutosh Sharma’s mass shots and unbelievable hitting of 66 off 31 balls turned the game. Vipraj Nigam also played a big role with a quick 39 off 15 balls.

IPL 2025 – Match 4 Highlights (DC vs LSG)

LSG Innings(209-8)in 20 overs

Mitchell Marsh- 72(36)

Nicholas Pooran- 75(30)

Shardul Thakur- (2-19-2)

DC Innings(211-9)in 19.3 overs

Ashutosh Sharma- 66(31)*

Vipraj Nigam- 39(15)

Kuldeep Yadav- (4-20-2)

ALSO READ: Who is Ashutosh Sharma? IPL 2025's Newest Finisher Making Noise

Twitter reactions after DC win 4th match of IPL 2025

WHAT. A. FINISH 🔥 Delhi Capitals snatch victory from the jaws of defeat, chasing 210 with just 1 wicket in hand. LSG fought hard, but DC held their nerve. IPL drama at its best. #DCvsLSG #IPL2025 #kunalkamra#Bitcoin #TATAIPL2025
pic.twitter.com/1FZM0OQIgq

— Asrar Ahmed (@Im_AsrarAhmed) March 24, 2025

Ashutosh Sharma take a bow! A match which swung like a pendulum between hosts Delhi Capitals and Lucknow Super Giants, finally Sharma led DC to a win from a dead & buried situation!#DCvsLSG.#IPL2025! pic.twitter.com/nYSAxjhNAK

— Souvik 45© (@SouvikPurkaya16) March 24, 2025

Can't believe DC won it 🥶
..cricket is unpredictable fs 💯 pic.twitter.com/6iayj0QR2J

— PRᎧᏃPEKTᴷᴷᴿ (@denkbantai) March 24, 2025

DC won the toss and opted to bow against LSG

Delhi fans right now: Bhai, toss toh jeet gaye... ab match bhi jeet lena please! #DCvsLSG
#IPL2025 pic.twitter.com/jY9JfO0ShI

— Shilpa Sahu (@shilpasahu432) March 24, 2025

All this pre auction meeting chaos should not distract you from the fact that Delhi Capitals will win IPL 2025 🏆pic.twitter.com/UWYU8G7ojG

— Dhruv (@I_m_dhruv_) July 31, 2024

Today match Absolute cinema 🥵🔥💥

DC won in many ways and their energy and fighting 🫡🔥💥

PBKS gave a Gold to DC.. Ashtoush hero 🫡🔥💥❤️#DCvLSG #IPL2025 pic.twitter.com/ZioqdLL8xo

— Sparkle ✨💜 (@PositiveMattume) March 24, 2025

Don't let this BGT loss distract you from the fact that Delhi Capitals are winning IPL 2025 🥳🥳pic.twitter.com/s3s0BXFixp

— Dhruv (@I_m_dhruv_) January 5, 2025

Win dc by 1 wicket 🏆💙💙#ipl2025openingceremony #ipl2025 #DCvLSG pic.twitter.com/4kKB65xmjP

— Suresh Choudhary (@suresh_baytu) March 24, 2025

What a time to alive as a Delhi Capitals fan 😂😂.

.Ashutosh Sharma played blinder
.Vipraj allrounder performance
.Seeing Goenka's tears
.Watching 27 Cr wicketkeeper masterclass
. Beating the irrelevant franchise of IPL
. Still unbeaten in #IPL2025 pic.twitter.com/wXu7okxirT

— Rahul 🌱 (@utdrahul1122) March 24, 2025

We won @DelhiCapitals
Absolutely What a Roar 🦁 from our boys 💪 #DelhiCapitals#DCvsLSG#IPL pic.twitter.com/xrZZmRO4Yo

— 1 (@_eyesonTalkie) March 24, 2025

Live visual after stunning win of DC over LSG #LSGvDC #AsutoshSharma #pant #ipl2025 pic.twitter.com/DKRWvV7YHG

— Vijendra Chandel (@nky_singh) March 24, 2025

LSG वालो ऐसे कौन मारता है बे😡

हवन शुरू कर दिया दिल्ली की जीत के लिए

ॐ ऐं ह्रीं क्लीं विकेट गिराए विच्चे नम
ॐ ऐं ह्रीं क्लीं दिल्ली मैच जिताए विच्चे नम #LSGvsDC#lsgvdc #DCvLSG #IPL2025 #TATAIPL2025 pic.twitter.com/OIaI0l1qit

— बघीरा 😺 (@LegalAdvisour) March 24, 2025

Elagaina win avali ra devara @DelhiCapitals #IPL2025 #DCvsLSG https://t.co/9Nq296MQBs pic.twitter.com/EWAwIMWZku

— 𝕎𝕙𝕚𝕥𝕖 ᴿᴬᴾᴼ²² 🕊️ (@KLassy_RAPO) March 24, 2025

Cricket, especially in the IPL, always finds a way to throw up new heroes. And in IPL 2025, that hero is Ashutosh Sharma a name that’s suddenly everywhere after his match-winning knock for Delhi Capitals against Lucknow Super Giants. But who is this rising star who just pulled off a last-wicket heist in front of a roaring Vizag crowd

Let's get into the tale of the 26-year-old right-arm bowler who's fast turning into one of the most sought-after names in Indian cricket.

The Match That Changed Everything

Delhi Capitals are on the brink of defeat, chasing a humongous 210 against LSG. Wickets falling and the game slipping out of their hands, Ashutosh Sharma enters the scene. Calm, composed, and clutch.

With Vipraj Nigam alongside, he constructed a gritty combination, but it was Ashutosh who delivered carrying DC over the line in a dramatic one-wicket victory. The internet went haywire. Twitter was clogged. Experts acclaimed his steel nerves. He wasn't only a team player any longer he was the finisher.

Ashutosh Sharma: Career at a Glance

Full Name: Ashutosh Sharma

Born: 15 September 1998

Hometown: Madhya Pradesh, India

Batting Style: Right-handed

Teams: Railways (Domestic), previously Madhya Pradesh, Punjab Kings, presently Delhi Capitals

Ashutosh took his T20 debut for Madhya Pradesh in January 2018, and his List A debut in 2019. But his career-defining moment was in October 2023, when he blasted a 50 off 11 balls the quickest by an Indian in T20s. That innings turned heads.

From Punjab to Delhi: IPL Journey So Far

Ashutosh was selected by Punjab Kings in IPL 2024 for ₹20 lakhs. He started with a bang against Gujarat Titans and impressed immediately getting 31 off 17 as a game-changing sub.

His most impressive innings during the previous season was against Mumbai Indians, where he hit 61 off 28 deliveries, showing he had the mettle to cope with pressure and pressure situations.

But then came the IPL 2025 mega auction, and Punjab Kings surprisingly let him go. Delhi Capitals, Royal Challengers Bengaluru, and Rajasthan Royals all jumped into the bidding fray, and DC finally won him for ₹3.8 crore.

The rest, as they say, is history.

ALSO SEE: Twitter Roasts Rishabh Pant After ₹27 Crore Duck for LSG

Why Ashutosh Sharma Is Special

What sets Ashutosh apart? It's his temperament in high-pressure situations. He's not flashy, not boisterous but when the game is on the line, he gets the job done. He reads games well, knows when to sit back and when to blow up, and already has a demonstrated ability to finish close games a very rare ability.

His spell against LSG was a blend of composure and bravery. With the opposition on their toes, the side in danger, and the bowlers attacking aggressively Ashutosh remained level-headed. You can't learn that.

What's Next?

If he continues in the same vein, Ashutosh Sharma might be primed for greater things maybe India A tours or even a spot in the national T20 team. With India continually on the lookout for dependable middle-order power-blasters, particularly in pressure situations, his name will certainly be in the fray if he can continue like this.

In a League of Big Names, a New One Emerges

In a competition that's full of high-ticket buyers and whales, Ashutosh Sharma is quietly but forcefully making his own space. He has no fanfare yet, but he's got the game and in the IPL, that's all you need.

From a ₹20 lakh debutante to a ₹3.8 crore finisher, Ashutosh Sharma is no longer flying under the radar. He's the storm after the calm.

The 2025 Indian Premier League Mega Auction ended with a record outlay of 182 players. The IPL mega auction generated much interest, especially among star players. Several uncapped players commanded high sums for their outstanding performances in domestic cricket and T20 competitions. These hefty bids show the franchises' focus on acquiring homegrown players capable of delivering impactful performances. 

With the tournament's slogan being where talent meets opportunity, it would be intriguing to see how their calibre would unfold and have a robust chance to earn their maiden international call from the prestigious national side. Here's the list of the top five expensive uncapped players in the 2025 IPL Mega Auction. 

1. Rasikh Salam Dar- INR 6 Crores (Royal Challengers Bengaluru)

Rasikh Salam Dar became the most expensive uncapped player during the IPL 2025 mega auction. Rasikh is primarily a new-ball bowler who can be efficient in the first six overs and a reliable death-over bowler due to his strong yorker and slower deliveries. The quick bowler was the top selection among uncapped players and was auctioned by Royal Challengers Bengaluru for INR 6 crore.

Dar is prominent for his lethal and devastating yorkers with the Delhi Capitals in the previous season. Despite his inexperience, Rasikh will be a long-term investment, so he was acquired for a high price. Whether it's justified or not, only time will tell. In his short and promising IPL stint, he has scalped nine wickets in 11 appearances. 

2. Naman Dhir- INR 5.25 Crores (Mumbai Indians)

Naman Dhir is a noteworthy pace hitter who can bat anywhere from third to sixth place, indicating a solid addition to any squad's middle-order batting. Furthermore, he is a naturally aggressive hitter with good off-spin. Naman Dhir sparked a bidding battle between the Mumbai Indians and Royal Challengers Bangalore before the Delhi Capitals intervened.

Later, Rajasthan Royals and Punjab Kings  joined in before the Mumbai Indians opted to employ the Right-to-Match (RTM) to reclaim him for INR 5.25 crores. In seven IPL matches, he has scored 140 runs with a strike rate of 177.22.

3. Abdul Samad- INR 4.20 Crores (Lucknow Super Giants)

Abdul Samad is known for his big-hitting ability and has previously played as a finisher for Sunrisers Hyderabad. Samad is a decent pace hitter who bats in the lower order and adds momentum to innings during slog overs. His subsequent years have been less promising, but his tremendous potential enticed teams to pay a hefty amount to obtain his expertise, with the Lucknow Super Giants emerging victorious.

The Royal Challengers Bengaluru initially started the bid for Samad, but the Super Giants were eager to sign him and increased the bidding battle from INR 30 lakhs to INR  4.20 crores. In 50 matches, he has made 577 runs with a strike rate of 146.08.

See Also: IPL 2025 Mega Auction: Top Five Buy Punjab Kings dominate IPL auction with three top signings

4. Nehal Wadhera- INR 4.20 Crores (Punjab Kings)

Nehal Wadhera is a top homegrown prospect who can handle speed and spin. Wadhera's performance in past IPL seasons with Mumbai Indians highlights his impressive all-round abilities. As a player from the Punjab side, he will be familiar with the circumstances in the new Mullanpur pitch and may finally be able to unleash his full ability; thus, it is no surprise that the Punjab Kings have chosen him.

They bought they young sporting campaigner for INR 4.20 crores after competing with three teams: Chennai Super Kings, Gujarat Titans, and Delhi Capitals. In just 20 IPL games, he has scored 350 runs at a 140 strike rate and taken 13 wickets at an economy of 6.50. 

5. Ashutosh Sharma- INR 3.80 Crores (Delhi Capitals)

Ashutosh Sharma is a clean-ball hitter who can take on pacers from the start, as seen by his time with the Punjab Kings. His presence will offer his new team, the Delhi Capitals, much-needed firepower in the lower order to deliver that finishing touch in the final overs.

Sharma was a revelation last season and was expected to command a reasonable price in the IPL 2025 auction. He was sold for INR 3.80 crores to the Delhi Capitals, who outbid three other teams for him. In his 11 IPL matches performance, he was able to make 189 runs, averaging 27 and a strike rate of 167.26. 

25-year-old Ashutosh Sharma made headlines with his stunning knock yesterday against Mumbai Indians. However, his sensational big-hitting show for Punjab Kings against 5-time champions Mumbai Indians went in vain as he failed to take the team home and eventually lost by 9 runs. He has scored 156 runs from just 4 matches at a staggering strike rate of 205 as well.

His heroic 28-ball 61 helped PBKS recover from 14 for 4 while chasing 193 against a Jasprit Bumrah-led Mumbai Indians bowling attack in Mullanpur on Thursday as well.

PBKS lost the game to MI

Speaking after his sensational knock, he said, “Sanjay sir told me ‘you are not a slogger, you can play proper cricketing shots and focus on it’. That small statement has made a huge impact. I have been following that only. I am not a hard-hitter. I play proper cricketing shots. That has changed my game. Back home, I was working with my coach Amit Khurasia. He also told me that the longer I stay in the middle, the more the chances of my team winning. Yes, I have missed getting the job done in 2 games. But, this is cricket. You have to keep working on your game.”

ALSO READ: Zaheer Khan shares MS Dhoni’s plans after IPL 2024

While Ashutosh Sharma was hitting sixes effortlessly, his sweep against Jasprit Bumrah stole the show. Off a free hit, he moved across the off-stump and swept a Bumrah yorker into the deep-fine leg stands, a shot that left everyone in awe.

“It was my dream to sweep Bumrah. I kept practising for it. But, it came against the world’s best bowler. It’s okay. It’s part of the game,” Ashutosh said.

Ashutosh Sharma also credited Sanjay Bangar, coach Trevor Bayliss and captain Shikhar Dhawan for keeping faith in him. However, he had a tough time during his days in Madhya Pradesh but has done well for Railways in domestic cricket. He has had red-ball success too as he hit a hundred in his Ranji Trophy debut earlier in the season as well.

“Winning and losing is part of the game” – Ashutosh Sharma

“The celebration was for Sanjay Bangar sir. I am working hard with him. He gave me a chance and kept belief in me. Our head coach Trevor Bayliss, Shikhar Dhawan, everybody believed me, so it was for them,” he added.

He also said that the team is heading in the right direction and is not far away from winning matches. He also opined on their batting woes in the game.

“We are working hard. Our intent is good. Winning and losing is 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,” the 25-year-old said. “It’s a part of the game. Sometimes, the opener score runs, and sometimes the middle orders do. This keeps happening. It’s a team game. We all have to do well. We have to focus on our process and not on winning and losing. If the process is correct, we will keep going in the right direction.”