IPL 2025: Faf du Plessis Hails Ashutosh’s Heroics, Calls DC’s Win a ‘438-Style Heist’ and Defends Impact Player Rule

Delhi Capitals vice-captain praises uncapped stars Ashutosh and Vipraj after historic one-wicket win, compares finish to South Africa’s iconic 2006 chase against Australia.

Visakhapatnam, March 25: After Delhi Capitals (DC) pulled off one of the most sensational chases in IPL history, vice-captain Faf du Plessis couldn’t help but draw a parallel to South Africa’s legendary 438-run chase against Australia in 2006. Speaking after DC’s thrilling one-wicket win over Lucknow Super Giants (LSG), Faf hailed the brilliance of Ashutosh Sharma and praised the match-defining cameo of Vipraj Nigam.

“When we needed six off five, the single Mohit Sharma took was probably the most important of his life—just like Makhaya Ntini’s single to get Mark Boucher on strike in that 438 game. Beautiful forward defence, just pushing it into the gap. What a moment to bring Ashutosh back on strike,” Faf said.

Ashutosh’s 66 off 31 balls*, stitched with an explosive 55-run stand with Vipraj (39 off 15), rescued DC from 65/5 in pursuit of a daunting 210-run target, as they edged past LSG with three balls and one wicket to spare.

Faf, visibly impressed with the clutch finish, also praised the Impact Player rule, often debated among players and experts.

“Many criticize the Impact Player rule, but matches like these show why it exists. It gives teams a second chance when they look dead and buried,” he remarked.

The South African legend was in awe of the uncapped Indian duo’s ability to clear the ropes with ease on a pitch that wasn’t easy to bat on.

“It wasn’t an easy pitch, but the boys were just hitting boundaries effortlessly. As an overseas player, I find it remarkable how many young Indian batters possess such clean power,” Faf said.

He further reflected on the mindset required during such games:

“At 65/5, I thought chasing 210 was almost impossible. But this game reminded me that you’re never truly out of a match. The Impact sub adds that extra depth,” he noted.

And with a chuckle, he signed off:

“I might start drinking more masala chai just to hit the ball like these boys do at the end!”

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Match Summary:

DC opted to bowl first. Despite dismissing Aiden Markram early, Mitchell Marsh (72 off 36) and Nicholas Pooran (75 off 30) powered LSG to a formidable 209/8, with Kuldeep Yadav (2/20) and Mitchell Starc (3/42) leading DC’s late comeback.

In response, DC collapsed to 65/5, but crucial partnerships between Ashutosh, Stubbs (34 off 22), and Vipraj Nigam turned the tide. A composed finish saw Ashutosh seal the game with a six, earning him the Player of the Match award.