Indian Premier League has resulted in a lot of young unheard names turn into stars. The most prestigious franchise league in the world has given our country many many stars. And it continues to do so even today. Mayank Yadav, Shashank Singh, Rinku Singh, an updated version of Riyan Parag and many more are the examples of it. But if one has to choose one particular player, who is consistently delivering for his team without fail in every match this IPL, it is Ashutosh Sharma. Just like what he has done in this IPL, he did give Mumbai Indians a scare by playing an outstanding innings 61 off 28.

One would surely not be surprised to see something like it from him, knowing what he has done earlier for Punjab in this IPL. Right since his debut he was effective. His 17 ball 31 was important for their match against Gujarat Titans. Although Shashank Singh got the limelight in that match for what had happened with him in auction, Ashutosh also got some credit for it. And then the duo of Shashank and Ashutosh almost pulled off another match. But in the next match, when Shashank fell quickly, it was Ashutosh who consistently delivered without fail. And his innings today was like a cherry on the pie.

With these sensational knocks, he is now known by the entire nation. But it was not always the case. He had to struggle his way to make it to this level. His story is a tale of great skill, dedication and passion which helped him battle depression eventually allowing him to scale new heights. And his story begins in a small town in Madhya Pradesh which goes by the name Ratlam. A person from any part of the country loves the game, but not necessarily has the facilities to go ahead. And similarly with the limited facilities Ashutosh started his game, and eventually moved to a big city to realise his big dreams.

That's when he met his coach Amay Khusariya. The former India southpaw saw the potential when a 12 year old Ashutosh was comfortably smashing 16 year old bowlers. He saw that the kid has natural strength and talent. And going ahead Khusariya never tried to change Ashutosh's natural game. He also helped the kid get some basic amenities to make life easier. With time, Sharma progressed ahead but lack of funds meant he had to manage it from somewhere. That's when he started umpiring to ensure some money and a meal for one time post doing the umpiring duties.

He struggled, and hustled hard to go ahead. But life tried to pull him back at times. He was in the Madhya Pradesh domestic squad, and one day he was suddenly dropped without giving proper reasons. And Ashutosh was left surprised and heartbroken knowing this. He was the best player of the squad, and him dropped from the side certainly had a negative effect on him. Depression got the better of him, to the extent that he would just go to the gym and come back home, without practicing the game he loved for days.

He battled depression for a good amount of time, thinking that he might never play for the team again. But fortunately, Railways was looking for a good batter who could hit long sixes, and they approached him. And that was just the right thing he needed to resurrect. He played for Railways and made truckload of runs. He also broke Yuvraj's record of fastest fifty when he scored his one in just 11 balls. And one fine day, he was spotted by Sanjay Bangar, who saw a lad hitting long sixes. And the former India player and Punjab Coach Bangar was impressed with Sharma, and decided to have him in the Punjab Kings squad for the IPL.

And IPL gave him the perfect platform to showcase what he possesses, which he grabbed with both his arms. Right on his debut against GT, he built a match winning partnership with Shashank Singh. And then onwards, he just kept doing what he does the best. Even on occasions where Punjab lost, it was Ashutosh's hard hitting which almost took them over the line. And on all those occasions, he displayed his nerves of steel. His team and top order struggled badly, but he took the responsibility to smash all the opponent bowlers which he did comfortably. And all those sixes he hit, landed into the minds and hearts of cricket fans.

Undoubtedly, Ashutosh Sharma is the find of this year's IPL. He has been the standout player out of all the numerous uncapped Indians playing this IPL. His clean hitting is a treat to watch, and his ability to perform under immense pressure is highly commendable, just like his life story. On the field, he battled with the best bowlers of all the teams, and off the field in his life he battled a flurry of struggles and depression to eventually turn the things in his favour. His story might not be known to many, but he will surely be the role model for many success stories coming ahead. And the way he is going, in all possibilities it looks like he is the perfect finisher Indian team is missing. And going ahead, it would be a treat to see Ashutosh Sharma and Rinku Singh finish matches for Men in Blue. We wish to see it happen soon and we pray that this man gets that we'll deserved blue jersey soon.