‘My dream has come true’: Emotional Ashok Sharma dedicates India debut to elder brother Akshay | Cricket News
NEW DELHI: India fast bowler Ashok Sharma described his international debut as a “dream come true” after receiving his maiden India cap ahead of the opening T20I against Zimbabwe in Harare on Thursday, dedicating the emotional milestone to his elder brother whose sacrifice helped shape his cricketing journey.The 24-year-old Rajasthan pacer was handed his India cap by the bowling coach Sunil Joshi before the throw, which ended a remarkable rise from domestic cricket to the international stage. Although Ashok finished with figures of 0/29 in four overs, India secured a comfortable seven-wicket win to take a 1-0 lead in the three-match series. Overcome with emotion after the cap presentation, Ashok reflected on years of hard work finally paying off.“This is very special. The thing I worked so hard for, hopefully today it will come true. It’s a dream. Until now it’s a dream, sir, no matter what it is. Even now it’s a dream that I’m wearing the hat of India, and my dream has come true,” he said.The young pacer then revealed the person he wanted to honor the bridge.“I dedicate this moment to my elder brother,” he added.
A brother’s sacrifice that changed everything
Ashok’s story is one of perseverance and family sacrifice. Growing up in Rampura, a small village near Jaipur, he shared a passion for cricket with his elder brother, Akshay Sharma, who also played the game. However, financial constraints meant that the family could not afford to support two sons to pursue cricket.Akshay makes the difficult decision to put aside his own ambitions so that Ashok can attend the inter-district Under-16 trials. That selfless act became a turning point in Ashok’s career.Years later, the youngster who once struggled for opportunities has now become India’s latest fast-bowling prospect.
India’s Ashok Sharma plays as Zimbabwean batsman Dion Myers looks on. (AP Photo)
Laxman’s special message before debut
Before presenting the India cap, stand-in head coach VVS Laxman reminds Ashok of the importance of representing the country.“We knew that Ashok would be making his international debut, and we talked about it as something of a great honour,” he said.Laxman also acknowledged the effort behind the success.“Representing the country, all your hard work, and all your performances are rewarded with this opportunity,” he added.
From the IPL pace sensation to the colors of India
Ashok’s rise has been rapid in the last year.After finishing as the leading wicket-taker in the 2025-26 Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy with 22 wickets, he earned an IPL contract with Gujarat Titans, where he grabbed headlines by clocking 154.2 kmph – the fastest delivery in IPL 2026.Earlier in his journey, he almost walked away from cricket before a one-time appearance in the Red Bull Speedster competition opened the doors to becoming a Rajasthan Royals net bowler, which finally paved the way for his domestic breakthrough.Although he did not take a wicket on his debut against Zimbabwe, Ashok always hit with a lively pace and displayed the qualities that earned him national selection.
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