From Dusty Lanes to IPL Stardom: Ashok Sharma's Inspiring Village Journey
Rampura (Jaipur): "Unki Thar nikal jaati hai, aapki bhi nikal jayegi (His car gets through, yours will too)," a young boy quips when asked about the location of India's new pace sensation Ashok Sharma's house. This humorous remark captures the essence of the challenging journey to reach the cricketer's remote village, approximately 35 kilometers from Rajasthan's capital, Jaipur.
The Uphill Trek to a Cricketer's Humble Abode
Reaching Ashok Sharma's village is no easy feat. After a sudden exit on the Delhi-Mumbai Expressway, travelers must navigate a few kilometers down a dusty lane, carefully crossing hastily operated railway crossings before the road seemingly disappears. This arduous path truly embodies the phrase "tighten your seatbelts" and highlights the stark divide between urban and rural India.
"Sharam aati hai logon ko bulaane mein. Raasta hi nahi hai (I feel embarrassed to invite people over. There isn't even a proper road)," confesses Akshay Sharma, Ashok's elder brother, while welcoming visitors to their home. The digital location pin ends several hundred meters before the residence, requiring skillful maneuvering through narrow lanes with multiple hairpin turns.
A Glimpse into Rural India's Peaceful Simplicity
Ashok's village offers an authentic representation of rural India. Double-storey houses dot the landscape, coolers remain prized possessions, and proper roads have yet to reach this community. Despite these modest conditions, a profound sense of peace permeates the area, which Akshay identifies as the primary reason the family has chosen to remain connected to their roots.
"Sukoon hai idhar (It is peaceful here). Ashok also loves it. Everything started from here, whether it was me playing cricket or him taking big strides. Ashok always says, 'Kuch bhi ho jaaye, apna gaon nahi chhodenge' (Whatever happens, we will never leave our ancestral village)," shares Akshay while dusting off the charpai beneath one of two neem trees gracing their front yard.
The front yard continues to serve as a comfortable gathering space in the Sharma household, accommodating two charpais and providing ample shaded area to host guests, all accompanied by the soothing background score of chirping birds.
Defying Modern Cricket Norms with Rooted Simplicity
It is exceptionally rare to encounter a contemporary Indian cricketer who has competed in both Ranji Trophy and IPL matches yet continues to reside in his ancestral village. Given the substantial earnings Indian cricketers command, particularly with the advent of the IPL, luxurious lifestyles typically follow. However, Ashok Sharma remains steadfast in his commitment to simplicity, channeling all his focus toward performance enhancement.
Akshay emphasizes that his brother remains unconcerned with material luxuries. "He loves it here. He wakes up at 5 AM, goes to the ground for running, trains for three hours, returns by 8 AM, and then sleeps again. He has become very conscious of his diet, especially after the knee injury he suffered during his stint with KKR," explains Akshay.
"He always says that he would exchange the lavish five-star life for this any day. His diet is also simple. He loves homemade food. Diet, recovery, and sleep are the three most important components of his training routine now," he adds.
Family Bonds and Agricultural Roots
Early in the conversation, Ashok and Akshay's father, Nathulal Sharma, joins from his electric scooter—a thoughtful gift from his younger son. Dressed in a torn shirt and mud-stained trousers, he had just returned from a shift in the fields and caught his breath before settling onto the charpai. "Gehun ki katai chal rahi hai (The wheat harvest is underway)," he announces with a warm smile.
Meanwhile, Lali Devi, Ashok's mother, brings glasses of chaanch for everyone. The traditional steel glass, the drink's thick texture, and the perfect blend of home spices make it refreshing from the very first sip. Lali Devi beams with pride when the beverage is gulped down within seconds, promptly offering refills before noting, "ye Akshay aur Ashok ko bhi kaafi pasand hai, ghanton cricket khelne ke baad (This is something Akshay and Ashok also really enjoy, especially after playing cricket for hours)."
Brotherly Inspiration and Fast Bowling Legacy
Ashok has consistently looked up to Akshay as his primary inspiration. Akshay planted the seed of fast bowling in his younger brother, beginning with the satisfaction derived from instilling fear in batters' minds. What originated as playful fun in nearby fields soon transformed into an obsessive pursuit to set the speed gun ablaze.
"We both were quick. Batters ko daraane mein maza aata tha, ek tasalli milti thi, aur jab wo darte the toh lagta tha ki kuch kiya hai (I used to enjoy intimidating batters. It gave me a sense of satisfaction, and when they got scared, it felt like I had achieved something)," Akshay fondly recalls.
Fast bowling came naturally to the Sharma brothers. Growing up, they heard legendary tales about their uncle, Ram Dayal Sharma, a fearsome fast bowler in the village. He still resides in the opposite house and would undoubtedly swell with pride witnessing his nephew carry forward this intimidating tradition.
"I have not even seen him bowl. He quit cricket long ago, but we have heard he was exceptionally quick. He used to receive special invitations to play in nearby villages. He had long hair, just like MS Dhoni," Akshay shares.
Nathulal Sharma, seated nearby while keeping a watchful eye on his two-year-old granddaughter Raja, brightens at the mention. "My brother was quick. These two have followed in his footsteps," he proudly adds.
Living Unfulfilled Dreams and Memorable Debut
For the Sharma family, Ashok embodies the unfulfilled dreams of both his uncle and brother. On March 30, the family received thrilling news that Ashok, who had previously been associated with Kolkata Knight Riders and Rajasthan Royals, would make his IPL debut for Gujarat Titans.
Overflowing with excitement, the family embarked on a 450-kilometer drive to Chandigarh, arriving just in time to witness Ashok play live for the very first time.
"We have been to the stadium before as well. He had given us passes when he was with Rajasthan Royals, but this felt profoundly different," Akshay reflects.
A day later, Ashok invited his family to Ahmedabad for Gujarat's second match. Rather than opting for air travel, they chose a nearly 10-hour train journey from Jaipur.
When questioned if he had ever traveled by flight, Nathulal Sharma gently shakes his head and responds, "Nahi (not yet)." Akshay jokingly interjects, "Dar lagta hai inko (He is scared of flying)." Lali Devi, who had been listening quietly, joins in optimistically, "Jaroor jayenge plane mein ek din (We will travel by flight someday)."
Village Superstar with a Mischievous Past
For the entire village, Ashok has ascended to superstar status. Anyone inquired will proudly direct visitors to his house, celebrating him as one of their own. However, for Nathulal and Lali Devi, he remains their mischievous child, with everyone possessing nearly identical anecdotes about his antics.
Nathulal Sharma chuckles, "Agar Akshay shaant hai toh Ashok shaitaan (If Akshay is calm, then Ashok is mischievous)."
Akshay quickly adds, "He used to bunk school. He always concocted some strange excuse to leave early."
Lali Devi further elaborates, "Tod phod poore din bas. Kitna samaan toda hai usne. Uske chakkar mein Akshay ki pitai ho jaati thi (He was always breaking things. He broke so many items. Because of him, Akshay used to get beaten up)."
Akshay smiles and recalls, "Ek baar toh papa ne belt se bhi peeta tha iske chakkar mein (Once, Papa even beat me with a belt because of him)."
Dream Car and Mentorship Journey
Despite all his mischief, Ashok, the youngest sibling, remains the family's cherished favorite.
"In 2023, when he was with KKR, toward the end of the season I asked him what he desired for his birthday. He immediately declared, 'Thar chahiye. Nahi doge toh ghar nahi aaunga' (I want a Thar. If you do not buy it, I will not come home)," Akshay laughs heartily.
Ashok's dream car now stands covered outside their house, serving as a major attraction for village children. Considering the village's road conditions, selecting an off-road capable vehicle proved a wise decision.
The family remains eternally grateful to Ashok's mentor, Vivek Yadav, a former Ranji Trophy cricketer who took him under his wing and was immediately impressed by his raw pace.
"In 2019, when he was 17, I took him to the Aravali Cricket Academy, where Vivek bhaiya was captivated by his pace. Ashok was erratic, but he directly placed him in the senior team. He requested me to let Ashok stay at the academy, and it significantly helped him evolve into a better cricketer," Akshay recounts.
Pandemic Challenges and Emotional Tributes
However, the Covid-19 pandemic dramatically altered everything. The lockdown forced Ashok to return home, where the road in front of his house transformed into his training ground. The most devastating blow struck on May 5, 2021, when Vivek Yadav, a two-time Ranji Trophy champion with Rajasthan, passed away due to complications.
"He did not speak for weeks. We thought the dream had ended. No one knew us, and we felt utterly clueless. But Vikas bhaiya called and assured us that he would fulfil his brother's dream, and the academy would do everything possible to help Ashok reach his potential," Akshay remembers emotionally.
After being selected by Gujarat Titans for Rs 90 lakh last year, Ashok shared a heartfelt message honoring his mentor.
"It was the last time I cried. I thought my career was over. He wanted me to play for India. He used to say, 'You will play for India very soon, you will play top-level cricket very soon,'" Ashok had expressed.
Long Road Ahead with Hope for Village Development
It will undoubtedly be a long road for Ashok to achieve that ultimate dream. However, the 23-year-old fast bowler thoroughly understands the importance of patience and perseverance, recognizing that he has merely started his journey.
At the Aravali Cricket Academy, coaches Vikas Yadav, Jagminder Singh, and others remain hopeful that Ashok will fulfil Vivek Yadav's cherished dream. Back home, Akshay, who sacrificed his own cricket aspirations for his brother, dreams that with Ashok's success, a proper road will finally reach Rampura—a village that might ultimately end India's prolonged wait for an out-and-out fast bowler.
