Rajasthan’s stunning performance in the ongoing Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy has grabbed plenty of attention, and one name that has stood out the most is young fast bowler Ashok Sharma. The right-arm pacer has been in sensational form, picking up 19 wickets so far, the highest by any bowler in the tournament.

With his raw pace and late swing, Ashok has troubled top teams like Tamil Nadu and Karnataka. Coming from a humble farming family in Rajasthan, this young pacer is now knocking loudly on the doors of the IPL.

From Farmer’s Son to Fast-Bowling Prospect

Ashok Sharma hails from Rampura village near Jaipur. His father, Nathu Lal Sharma, is a farmer. Born on June 17, 2002, Ashok developed an early love for cricket during his school days. His real turning point came in 2017, when he joined the Jaipur Cricket Academy.

At the academy, Ashok consistently clocked speeds between 130 to 140 kmph. His impressive performance in a fast-bowling competition caught the attention of officials from Rajasthan Royals, after which he was hired as a net bowler — a big moment in his young career.

Setbacks, Struggles and Mental Strength

Ashok’s journey has not been easy. Shortly after his selection for the Rajasthan Under-19 team, his coach passed away during the COVID-19 pandemic. The setback deeply affected him, but Ashok showed remarkable mental strength and continued working on his game.

His hard work paid off in 2022, when Kolkata Knight Riders bought him for ₹55 lakh in the IPL auction. However, he did not get a chance to play a single match. In IPL 2025, he joined the Rajasthan Royals for ₹30 lakh, but once again had to sit on the bench.

IPL Debut Now Looks Inevitable

After his explosive performance in the current Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy season, cricket experts believe that Ashok Sharma’s IPL debut is now only a matter of time. His pace, control, and ability to pick wickets in crucial moments have made him one of the most talked-about young fast bowlers in domestic cricket right now.

A New Fast-Bowling Hope for Rajasthan

From bowling on dusty village grounds to dominating India’s biggest domestic T20 tournament, Ashok Sharma’s journey is a story of grit, patience, and relentless hard work. The farmer’s son from Rampura is now ready to take the next big step on Indian cricket’s biggest stage.