Ashutosh Sharma reveals how he luckily got into Punjab Kings

Madhya Pradesh-born batting all-rounder Ashutosh Sharma became a star last night with his extra-ordinary finishing skills with the bat for Punjab Kings last night against Gujarat Titans at the Narendra Modi stadium.

Ashutosh paired up with accidental signing of the North-Indian outfit Shashank Singh to help the Kings clinched a last gasp victory which many had thought, will not be possible.

But as the saying goes, "where's a will, there's a way", the lower-middle order batters showcased exactly that. With that win, Punjab took the number 5 spot in IPL 2024 standings, above GT due to a better net run rate.

It was Punjab Kings captain Shikhar Dhawan's decision to bowl first after winning the toss, something that Shubman Gill, too, wanted to do.

The GT batters, led by Gill, were able to set up a very competitive target of 200 runs in a flat batting pitch at the Narendra Modi stadium in Ahmedabad.

The hosts were able to reach to that total on the back of Gill's sensational 89* Kane Williamson's 26 off 22, Sai Sudharsan's 33 off 19 and Rahul Tewatia's blistering 23 off just 8 balls at a strike rate of 287.50.

Shashank Singh and Ashutosh come to Punjab's rescue

Punjab Kings' response to that total had got off to a crumbling start as Punjab, despite maintaing a good run rate, were losing wickets at regular intervals with the GT bowlers sending half of their batting line-up to the pavilion by the 12th over.

However, Punjab Kings had a major fight left in them as number 6 and 7 batters - Shashank Singh and Ashutosh Sharma had other plans. Having arrived at the crease as an Impact player, Ashutosh Sharma and Shashank dragged Punjab from 150/6 towards the victory with Ashutosh losing his wicket in the 20th over's 1st delivery.

Ashutosh Sharma reveals how he signed with Punjab Kings

After his knock of 31 off 17 at a 180+ strike rate, Ashutosh Sharma, while speaking to Shashank Singh via IPL, revealed that he was very close to not joining the Punjab Kings.

He narrated to Shashank that he had a trial with the franchise one day and he was going to leave for his home the next day.

His flight tickets were booked for that night and he was all set to go for a trial with another IPL franchise. However, the PBKS officials asked him to wait and stay over for another day.

To that, Ashutosh Sharma agreed and stayed for another 24 hours with a hope to get selected and the very next day, he was offered a contract.

"I did my trials well with Punjab and was all set to leave for home. I had my flight booked for the night, but then they called me and told 'stay for one more day.' I had to go for another trial . Then I thought no, If they're asking me to stay, it could be something good and I will leave the trial of the other team. I didn't go and that's why I am part of this side." - Ashutosh said via IPL.