Young Rajasthan pacer Ashok Sharma is living every aspiring cricketer's dream. After an outstanding domestic season and a breakthrough IPL 2026 campaign with Gujarat Titans, the fast bowler has earned his maiden India call-up for the upcoming three-match T20I series against Zimbabwe.
As he prepares to don the India colours for the first time, Ashok credits three senior fast bowlers and one mentor for accelerating his development - Ishant Sharma, Mohammed Siraj and Gujarat Titans head coach Ashish Nehra.
Speaking to JioStar, the youngster reflected on the lessons that transformed his bowling and the emotions of finally reaching the national team.
Ishant Sharma's Advice Changed His Mindset
Ashok recalled his first interaction with veteran India pacer Ishant Sharma during Gujarat Titans' IPL
camp, describing it as a defining moment in his career.
"When I joined the Gujarat Titans camp for the first time, Ishant Sharma bhai was standing there. He asked me about my Ranji Trophy performances and how many wickets I had taken," Ashok told Jiostar.
After learning that the youngster had claimed 16 wickets in four Ranji Trophy matches, Ishant offered a simple yet powerful piece of advice. The Rajasthan pacer said, "He told me everything looked good, but if I improved my good-length bowling, those 16 wickets could easily become 24. "
Ashok said the words stayed with him because they came from a fast bowler who has taken over 300 Test wickets for India.
"Ishant bhai has bowled to the best batters in the world. When someone like him gives you advice after watching you closely, it means a lot. It reminded me that small improvements in the right areas can make a huge difference. "
Siraj Shared the Secrets of International Cricket
Ashok also revealed how Mohammed Siraj became a constant source of guidance throughout the IPL season.
Whenever the two trained together or spent time in the dressing room, the youngster bombarded the India quick with questions. "I kept asking Siraj bhaiya everything," he said.
"I would ask him how much pressure he feels during international matches, what goes through his mind before every delivery, how he plans against different batters and how he sets them up. "
Siraj patiently analysed Ashok's bowling and suggested technical improvements. "He would stand with me, watch two or three deliveries and then tell me what changes I needed to make. I learned a lot from him. "
Even after the IPL, Ashok continues to practise those lessons whenever he trains in Jaipur.
Ashish Nehra Became His Mentor
Among all the mentors he encountered during IPL 2026, Ashok reserved special praise for Gujarat Titans head coach Ashish Nehra. The youngster described Nehra as someone who was always available, no matter the time or the question.
"He once told me, 'Even if you come to me at midnight with a question, I'll be ready for you. '" That reassurance helped Ashok build confidence throughout the season.
Whenever doubts crept into his mind, he would review videos of his bowling alongside Nehra, discussing areas that needed improvement. "I consider him my mentor. I learned so much from him during this IPL season, and he helped me immensely. "
Inspired by Dale Steyn
Ashok also spoke about the fast bowler who inspired his style growing up. South African legend Dale Steyn remains his biggest role model. "Dale Steyn was a match-winner on his own. On his day, he could change a game within a few overs. "
Ashok admires Steyn's aggression, intensity, run-up and the way he constructed dismissals. "I try to learn from everything about him. He is someone I have always looked up to. "
'I Have Waited a Long Time for This India Jersey'
Despite the excitement surrounding his maiden call-up, Ashok insists his focus remains on sticking to the routines that brought him this far.
"My first target will be to wear the India jersey," he said. "I have waited for this moment for a long time. Representing my country will be very special. "
The young pacer added that he does not want to complicate things after reaching the national squad. "I will continue doing what I know best. The preparation, the hard work and the routines that helped me succeed in domestic cricket-I want to keep following them. "
Ashok has also set clear goals for the Zimbabwe tour. "My aim is to take as many wickets as possible and play as many matches as I can. I want to make this opportunity count. "
Looking beyond the T20Is, the pacer already has another dream firmly in sight. "My next goal after that will be to play red-ball cricket for India as soon as possible. "
With the Zimbabwe series serving as India's first assignment of the new T20I cycle, Ashok Sharma now has the opportunity to convert years of domestic success, IPL learning and mentorship from some of India's finest fast bowlers into an international breakthrough.
