India, March 28 -- Ashutosh Sharma's rise in the IPL's popularity chart began last season when he played useful cameos for the Punjab Kings. The franchise, however, decided to release him. What was Punjab's loss, became Delhi Capitals' gain. DC picked up Ashutosh in the mega auction for INR 3.8 crore. The second season is generally considered the hardest for any breakaway cricketer. The surprise package no longer exists, and teams are better prepared to counter. But all it took for Ashutosh to bury the second-season ghost was one match.

In the very first match for Delhi Capitals in the 18th edition, the right-hander showed last year was no fluke. Ashutosh is here to stay. He took the Axar Patel-led side to an improbable victory against L...