NEW DELHI: India fast bowler Ashok Sharma described his international debut as a “dream come true” after receiving his maiden India cap ahead of the opening T20I against Zimbabwe in Harare on Thursday, dedicating the emotional milestone to his elder brother whose sacrifice helped shape his cricketing journey.

The 24-year-old Rajasthan pacer was handed his India cap by bowling coach Sunil Joshi before the toss, capping a remarkable rise from domestic cricket to the international stage. Although Ashok finished with figures of 0/29 in four overs, India secured a comfortable seven-wicket victory to take a 1-0 lead in the three-match series.

Overcome with emotion after the cap presentation, Ashok reflected on years of hard work finally paying off.

“It’s very special. The thing for which I was working hard, hopefully today it’s fulfilled. It’s a dream. Till now it’s a dream, sir, whatever it was. Even now it’s a dream that I wore the cap of India, and my dream has come true,” he said.

The young pacer then revealed the person he wanted to honour the most.

“I dedicate this moment to my elder brother,” he added.

A brother’s sacrifice that changed everything

Ashok’s story is one of perseverance and family sacrifice.

Growing up in Rampura, a small village near Jaipur, he shared a passion for cricket with his elder brother, Akshay Sharma, who also played the game. However, financial constraints meant the family could not afford to support both sons in pursuing cricket.

Akshay made the difficult decision to put aside his own ambitions so Ashok could attend inter-district Under-16 trials. That selfless act became the turning point in Ashok’s career.

Years later, the youngster who once struggled for opportunities has now become India’s newest fast-bowling prospect.

Laxman’s special message before debut

Before presenting the India cap, stand-in head coach VVS Laxman reminded Ashok of the significance of representing the country.

“We know Ashok is going to make his international debut, and we discussed that it’s a matter of great honour,” he said.

Laxman also acknowledged the effort behind the achievement.

“Representing the country, all your hard work, and all your performances were rewarded by this opportunity,” he added.

Advertisement

From IPL pace sensation to India colours

Ashok’s rise has been rapid over the past year.

After finishing as the leading wicket-taker in the 2025-26 Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy with 22 wickets, he earned an IPL contract with Gujarat Titans, where he grabbed headlines by clocking 154.2 kmph — the fastest delivery of IPL 2026.

Earlier in his journey, he almost walked away from cricket before a chance appearance at the Red Bull Speedster competition opened the doors to becoming a Rajasthan Royals net bowler, eventually paving the way for his domestic breakthrough.

Though he went wicketless on debut against Zimbabwe, Ashok consistently hit a lively pace and showcased the attributes that earned him national selection.