One of IPL 2024’s top finishers attends RCB trials ahead of IPL 2025 auction – Reports

After a successful stint with Punjab Kings (PBKS), one of IPL 2024’s gun finishers, Ashutosh Sharma, attended Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) trials ahead of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 auction, report cricxtasy.com. The 26-year-old has registered him for a base price of INR 30 lakh.

Ashutosh came into the limelight with his brilliant stroke play, living to the title of a finisher, in the 2024 season. Bought for INR 20 lakh, the right-handed batter amassed 189 runs in 11 matches at a stunning rate of 167.25.

Interestingly, eyebrows were raised when Punjab didn’t retain him alongside Shashank Singh and Ramandeep Singh for IPL 2025. They, however, have the right-to-match (RTM) option to get him back on the side.

RCB are likely to bid for Ashutosh as one of their dependable finishers after Dinesh Karthik retired from the format. He has the potential to change the game on his own, owing to his power-hitting skills at an impressive strike rate. In addition, the smaller boundaries at Chinnaswamy will help Ashutosh clear the ropes with ease and emerge as a trump card for the franchise.

The Madhya Pradesh batter could thrive in the RCB setup since the franchise allow players to stick to their natural game. For example, Glenn Maxwell finally delivered for Bengaluru despite his below-par seasons with other franchises. Moreover, RCB mentor Karthik could groom Ashutosh as a finisher.

RCB will enter the auction with a whopping purse of INR 83 crore. They have retained only three players – Virat Kohli (INR 21 crore), Rajat Patidar (INR 11 crore), and Yash Dayal (INR 5 crore).

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“Unbelievable” – When Hardik Pandya lauded Ashutosh Sharma for his blinder against Mumbai Indians in IPL 2024

Mumbai Indians captain Hardik Pandya lauded Ashutosh Sharma for his blinder against his team in IPL 2024. The reaction came after Ashutosh smashed 61 off 28 balls and nearly pulled the impossible for Punjab.

Pandya said in a press conference (via ESPNcricinfo):

"[Ashutosh Sharma was] unbelievable. Coming and playing like that and hitting almost every ball off the middle of the bat and at ease, knowing what he wants to do. It's wonderful. Very happy for him, just for his future."

Besides PBKS and RCB, MI and other teams are reportedly likely to engage in a bidding war for Ashutosh. The IPL 2025 mega auction will take place in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, on November 24 and 25.