PBKS vs MI: "My Dream was to smash Bumrah.."- Ashutosh Sharma goes big mouth

Punjab Kings (PBKS) batter Ashutosh Sharma said that it was his dream to hit a sweep 'against the world's best bowler' Jasprit Bumrah after his astounding performance against Mumbai Indians (MI) in match number 33 of the ongoing IPL 2024 on April 18 in Mullanpur.

Ashutosh Sharma first hogged the spotlight with his dazzling cameo against the Gujarat Titans (GT), and since then, he has consistently made significant contributions to the Punjab Kings (PBKS) in the ongoing IPL 2024.

However, his standout moment came against the Mumbai Indians (MI). Batting at No. 8, the right-hander showed the world his power-hitting abilities by smashing 61 runs off just 28 balls and almost taking the Punjab Kings (PBKS) to a win over the Mumbai Indians (MI) at the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium, Mullanpur.

Ashutosh Sharma smashed Jasprit Bumrah for a dream six

Ashutosh launched seven massive sixes and two well-timed boundaries during his mind-blowing innings against the five-time IPL champions in Mullanpur. Even Jasprit Bumrah was unable to escape Ashutosh's onslaught, as one of the world's best fast bowlers was dispatched brutally for a six over the fence.

This applaudable six was struck during a free hit in the 13th over, with Bumrah delivering a full ball on the off-middle stump line, and the 25-year-old took full advantage of the MI pacer’s overstep in the over.

Well, Ashutosh cleverly dropped down on one knee across the crease and executed a paddle sweep over a backward square leg, leaving the fans worldwide in awe of his skill and daring.

After the match that Punjab Kings (PBKS) lost to Mumbai Indians (MI) by 9 runs in Mullanpur, Ashutosh admitted that he practiced the "dream shot off Bumrah" numerous times in the nets to perfect it. However, he lamented not being able to take Punjab over the line against Mumbai.

Confidence & composure! ✨

Ashutosh Sharma reaches his Maiden IPL fifty and he's kept the chase well & truly alive! 🔥

Watch the match LIVE on @StarSportsIndia and @JioCinema 💻📱 #TATAIPL | #PBKSvMI pic.twitter.com/YUIR7gn9Bu

— IndianPremierLeague (@IPL) April 18, 2024

It was my dream to hit a sweep shot off Jasprit Bumrah: Ashutosh Sharma

Ashutosh Sharma said in the post-match presentation: “It was my dream to hit a sweep shot off Jasprit Bumrah. I have been practicing these shots. It's a game of cricket so it's very common. we have to focus on our process. When I was playing, I had the belief to pull off a win.”

The Punjab Kings (PBKS) also opened up about his conversation with the team’s Head of Cricket Development Sanjay Bangar, saying his words made a huge difference for him as a batter.

Ashutosh added, “Sanjay [Bangar] sir told me that, 'you're not a slogger; you play proper cricketing shots and you should focus on [honing] that'. It was that small statement and a show of confidence from him that made a huge difference for me and turned my game. I'm now just trying to follow that.”

Notably, it was Punjab Kings (PBKS) fifth loss in the ongoing IPL 2024, and now they are slipping to 9^th spot in the points table with only 4 points. Punjab Kings (PBKS) will next take on the Gujarat Titans (GT) at the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium on Sunday, April 21.