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Ashutosh Sharma Blaming KKR Coach For 'Depression' Resurfaces After DC Heroics

Soumyajit Dutta

Chandrakant Pandit and Ashutosh Sharma [Source: @saddapunjab10/X]Chandrakant Pandit and Ashutosh Sharma [Source: @saddapunjab10/X]

Ashutosh Sharma, the 25-year-old Railways cricketer, has recently captured attention with his impactful performances for Delhi Capitals. His journey, however, has been marked by significant challenges, including a period of uncertainty and depression between 2020 and 2022.

Sharma's career faced a setback when he fell out of favour with a prominent domestic coach, reportedly KKR's Chandrakant Pandit leading to exclusion from his state team despite impressive performances. Back in April 2024, Ashutosh opened up on this setback and how it affected his performance.

Ashutosh Sharma's Honest Admission On Depression

The difficult phase saw Ashutosh Sharma struggle with mental health issues, but he eventually found solace in a new opportunity with Railways and guidance from mentors like Amay Khurasiya. In a candid conversation from 2024, Ashutosh revealed the depths of his struggle.

"There was a time when I wasn't even allowed to get a feel of the cricket ground," he said, reflecting on the toughest phase of his cricket life. This period was marked by isolation and confusion, as he was dropped from his state team without clear reasons. 

"I would go to the gym and retire to my hotel room. I was sinking into depression and no one told me what my fault was. A new coach had joined Madhya Pradesh and he had strong likes and dislikes and despite scoring 90 odd in 45 balls in a trial match, I was dropped from the team," Ashutosh explained, though he refrained from naming the coach.

The situation became even more challenging when he was not allowed to participate in team activities despite his impressive form. 

"I had three fifties in six Mushtaq Ali games in the previous season yet I wouldn't even be allowed to go to the ground. I was very depressed," he shared, the anguish evident in his voice.

Ashutosh's Tables Turn!

Ashutosh's career turnaround began with a job offer from Railways, which not only provided financial stability but also a fresh start. His performance in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, where he equalled Yuvraj Singh's record caught the attention of Punjab Kings. In 2025, he was roped in by Delhi and the rest was seen by LSG upfront, the carnage with the bat.

Ashutosh's recent success for Delhi where the right-hander played an incredible fighting 66* run knock against Lucknow in Visakhapatnam to win the match for DC by 1 wicket speaks of resilience and grit and his turnaround from a depressing phase to a phase to shine.