Who is Ashok Sharma? India A's latest recruit
What's the story
Fast bowler Ashok Sharma has been called up to the India A squad for the ongoing One-Day tri-series in Sri Lanka. The 23-year-old replaces injured Yudhvir Singh and will join the team in Dambulla. Ashok's selection comes after an impressive performance in the 2026 Indian Premier League (IPL), where he claimed six wickets in as many matches. He was signed by Gujarat Titans for ₹90 lakh at the auction.
Career trajectory
Ashok's journey from IPL to India A
Ashok Sharma, who first shot to fame with his express pace, had a stellar outing in the 2025 Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy. He broke an 11-year-old record and finished as the tournament's leading wicket-taker with 22 wickets from 10 innings at 15.63. His IPL journey began in 2022 when Kolkata Knight Riders signed him for ₹55 lakh. However, his debut came in the recent 2026 season with Gujarat Titans.
Mentorship
Cummins's advice has always guided Ashok
Despite the ups and downs in his career, Ashok Sharma has always stuck to the advice given by Australian captain Pat Cummins during their time together at Kolkata Knight Riders. "I never thought about slowing down. I just wanted to maintain my pace and hit the right lengths," he had told TOI earlier this year. "He asked me a simple question: 'What is your strength?' Every bowler has one."
Information
Numbers in List A cricket
Coming to his List A numbers, Ashok has claimed 13 wickets across seven games at an economy of 6.69. His tally also includes a fifer.