As the lights dim on the pre-season camps and the roar of the IPL 2026 season approaches, all eyes are on the Delhi Capitals (DC). While the headlines often gravitate toward the big-money signings, the real heartbeat of the team lies in its finishers—the players who turn a "decent" total into a match-winning one.

In an exclusive sit-down, Lotus365 DC’s explosive middle-order batter Ashutosh Sharma opened up about his evolving role, his mindset under pressure, and how two of India’s biggest stars have fundamentally reshaped his approach to the game.

The Mentorship of KL Rahul and Axar Patel

Ashutosh hasn't just been practicing his power-hitting; he’s been a student of the game. When asked about his development since joining the Capitals, he was quick to credit two senior figures: KL Rahul and the team's captain, Axar Patel.

"KL Rahul and Axar Patel have truly changed my game," Ashutosh shared. "They’ve guided me both on and off the field. Being around players with such immense experience and calmness has helped me understand how to adapt to any situation. It’s not just about hitting the ball; it’s about reading the game."

He highlighted how Axar’s leadership style creates a "comfortable and open" environment, allowing younger players to express themselves without fear of failure. Meanwhile, observing KL Rahul’s tactical preparation has given Ashutosh a new perspective on innings construction.

The "Ice" in the Finisher's Veins

For a player known for his blistering strike rate (clocking in at over 160 last season), Ashutosh seems remarkably unburdened by the weight of expectation. Despite the "Impact Player" tag and the pressure of the death overs, he remains focused on a simple philosophy: Visualisation.

"I don’t feel the pressure when I am in the middle," he says confidently. "I believe in my hard work. This season, I haven't tried to develop ten new shots. Instead, I’ve focused on perfecting the ones I already have. I use visualisation to prepare for high-pressure moments so that when the time comes, I just react."

A Balanced DC Unit for 2026

The Delhi Capitals finished 5th in IPL 2025, narrowly missing the playoffs. Ashutosh believes the 2026 squad—bolstered by the likes of Mitchell Starc, David Miller, and Lungi Ngidi—is much more structured and balanced.

• His Role: Ashutosh will continue to be the designated finisher at No. 6 or 7.

• The Mission: To win more games for DC than last year and finally end the franchise's wait for a maiden title.

• The Mindset: Winning is the priority over personal milestones or national selection "goals."

Looking Ahead: DC vs LSG

Delhi Capitals kick off their campaign on April 1st against Lucknow Super Giants (LSG). It’s a poetic start for Ashutosh, who announced himself last season with a match-winning 66* against the same opposition.

As DC unveils its new "Tigers are Ready" jersey, Ashutosh Sharma looks ready to roar louder than ever. With the wisdom of Rahul and Axar in his corner, the "Impact Player" might just become the "Season-Defining Player" for the Capitals in 2026.

What do you think of Ashutosh Sharma’s role in the DC lineup this year? Can he lead them to the playoffs? Let us know in the comments!