Delhi Capitals batting all-rounder Ashutosh Sharma said he relishes his role as a finisher after his side snapped a three-match losing streak with a seven-wicket win over Rajasthan Royals in an IPL match here.<\/p>\n
Ashutosh struck an unbeaten 25 off 15 balls, hitting four boundaries, as Delhi successfully chased down a daunting 226-run target with five balls to spare on Friday.<\/p>\n
\u201cI enjoy being a finisher for my team. The team has trusted me to bat in these situations and I enjoy playing in these moments. I always feel that as long as I am at the crease, I can win the game for my team,\u201d Ashutosh said at the post-match press conference.<\/p>\n
Chasing a stiff total, Delhi was laid a solid foundation by KL Rahul and Pathum Nissanka, who stitched together a 110-run opening partnership.<\/p>\n
\u201cIn T20 cricket nowadays, a lot depends on the opening partnership and the powerplay. Our openers played really well and because of that we were in the game throughout and could take it till the end,\u201d Ashutosh said.<\/p>\n
Delhi\u2019s overseas pace duo of Mitchell Starc and Kyle Jamieson had earlier set the tone by removing Rajasthan\u2019s explosive openers Yashasvi Jaiswal and Vaibhav Sooryavanshi inside the first two overs.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe wanted to get their opening partnership out early, as they have been doing well in previous matches. That was our plan and it worked, which was good for us.\u201d Meanwhile, Rajasthan Royals batting coach Vikram Rathour admitted that poor execution with the ball cost his side the match.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe bowlers couldn\u2019t execute their plans again today. 226 we felt was enough on this surface, they should have been able to defend that.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhen you are defending that kind of total it is important to have a good powerplay. We gave away lots of runs and didn\u2019t take any wicket,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
Despite the defeat, Rathour drew positives from the batting effort, particularly the response after the early loss of openers. Skipper Riyan Parag led from the front with a 90 off 50 balls, while Dhruv Jurel contributed 42.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe were consistently getting good starts. Both our openers were doing well for us in every match. So, this was the first time that both got out early. So as a team, I think it was important how we came out of that situation and how we played.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe way Riyan and Jurel batted at that time, the partnership they built, and the way Donovan finished it, it was really good to see,\u201d Rathour said.<\/p>\n
Published on May 02, 2026<\/p>\n<\/div>\n
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