NEW DELHI: Indian fast bowler Ashok Sharma described his international debut as a “dream come true” after receiving his 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 given his cap in India by a bowling coach Sunil Joshi before launch, capping 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 leader’s presentation, Ashok reflected on years of hard work that finally paid off.“It is very special. The thing for which I worked a lot, I hope that today is fulfilled. It is a dream. Until now it is a dream, sir, what was. Even now it is a dream that I wear the cap of India, and my dream has come true,” he said.The young pacer then revealed the person he wanted to honor the most.“Dedicate this moment to my big brother,” he added.
The sacrifice of a brother that changed everything
Ashok’s story is one of perseverance and family sacrifice. Growing up in Rampura, a small village near Jaipur, I shared the 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 both sons in the pursuit of cricket.Akshay took the difficult decision to put his ambitions aside so that Ashok could attend the Under 16 inter-district trials. That selfless act became the turning point in Ashok’s career.Years later, the youngster who once struggled for opportunities has now become India’s newest fast bowling prospect.
India’s Ashok Sharma bowls as Zimbabwean batsman Dion Myers looks on. (AP Photo)
Special message from Laxman before debut
Before presenting the head of India, stand-in head coach VVS Laxman he reminded Ashok of the importance of representing the country.“We know that Ashok is going to make his international debut, and we have discussed that it is a matter of great honour,” he said.Laxman also acknowledged the effort behind the success.“Representing the country, all your hard work, and all your performances have been rewarded by this opportunity,” he added.
From the feel of IPL pace to the colors of India
Ashok’s rise has been rapid over the past year.After finishing as the leading wicket-taker in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy 2025-26 with 22 wickets, he earned an IPL contract with Gujarat Titans, where he grabbed headlines by bowling 154.2 km/h – the fastest delivery of IPL 2026.Earlier in his journey, he almost walked away from cricket before a chance appearance at the Red Bull Speedster competition opened the doors to becoming a Rajasthan Royals net bowler, eventually paving the way for his domestic breakthrough.Although he went wicketless on debut against Zimbabwe, Ashok looked lively pace and showed the attributes that earned him national selection.