Delhi Capitals' vice-captain Faf du Plessis was thoroughly impressed by teammate Ashutosh Sharma's remarkable performance during the IPL 2025 match against Lucknow Super Giants on Monday in Vizag. Making his debut for Delhi as an Impact Player, Ashutosh delivered an outstanding innings, scoring an unbeaten 66 runs off just 31 balls, which played a crucial role in securing a thrilling one-wicket victory for the team. Witnessing this impressive display, Du Plessis humorously remarked that he would start consuming "more masala tea" to enhance his own ball-striking skills.

"I will definitely be drinking more masala tea to ensure I can hit the ball as the boys do at the end," Du Plessis quipped during the post-match press conference. “As an overseas player, I find it remarkable to observe how many Indian players possess such power and can strike the ball with such ease. The pitch was challenging, with various factors at play, yet the two players at the end managed to come in and hit boundaries effortlessly.”

LSG found themselves in a difficult position at 65 for five in the seventh over after Du Plessis was dismissed for 29 runs off 18 balls. Tristan Stubbs attempted to stabilize the innings but could only contribute 34 runs off 22 balls. It was then Ashutosh who took charge, hitting five fours and as many sixes to complete the chase of 210 runs with three balls remaining.

Faf du Plessis backs the Impact Player rule

The Impact Player rule has encountered significant criticism since its implementation a few years ago, with India’s captain Rohit Sharma also expressing his concerns. This prompted the BCCI to include the rule in discussions during the recent captain's meeting prior to the commencement of IPL 2025, where it was determined that the rule would remain in effect until 2027, at which point it would be reassessed. However, Du Plessis defended the rule by referencing Ashutosh's performance.

"Many cricketers, if asked, would voice their grievances regarding the [Impact Player] rule in the IPL, but this is precisely the reason for its existence – it allows for moments when a team appears to be completely out of contention, and then someone steps in and changes the game," Du Plessis remarked.

"Honestly, when I assessed the pitch and noted how much the ball was gripping, coupled with losing five wickets, I believed it would be nearly impossible to succeed. Yet, it’s beneficial for my ageing mind to realize that one can never be entirely out of a match. The additional batter truly makes a significant impact."

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