In the village of Rampura, about 35 kilometers from Jaipur in Rajasthan, lives Ashok Sharma, a promising fast bowler in the Indian Premier League. Despite his rising fame and ability to bowl at speeds up to 150 kmph, accessing his home remains challenging due to the absence of paved roads. Visitors must navigate dusty lanes and railway crossings after exiting the Delhi-Mumbai Expressway.
Ashok’s elder brother, Akshay Sharma, expresses embarrassment about inviting guests because of the poor infrastructure. The family’s home features a spacious front yard with traditional cots under neem trees, providing a peaceful setting amid rural surroundings. Double-story houses and basic amenities like coolers are common here, highlighting the contrast with urban India.
Akshay notes the tranquility of village life as a key reason the family stays rooted. Ashok, who has played in the Ranji Trophy and IPL for teams like Kolkata Knight Riders and Gujarat Titans, values this simplicity. He follows a strict routine: waking at 5 a.m. for running and three hours of training, returning by 8 a.m. for rest. After a knee injury during his time with KKR, he has become diligent about his diet, preferring homemade meals and focusing on recovery and sleep.
Their father, Nathulal Sharma, recently returned from fieldwork on an electric scooter gifted by Ashok. The family engages in farming activities, such as wheat harvesting, and enjoys simple refreshments like buttermilk after long cricket sessions.
Akshay recalls his own enjoyment of intimidating batters during play, while Ashok was known for his mischievous behavior as a child, often breaking items and leading to scoldings. Their mother, Lali Devi, remembers instances where Akshay faced punishment due to Ashok’s antics.
Despite opportunities for luxury, Ashok remains committed to his origins. For his birthday in 2023, he requested a Thar SUV, which now stands outside their home. The family has no plans to relocate, cherishing their village life. Akshay describes Ashok as energetic and playful compared to his own calm demeanor.
Ashok’s journey began in this village, supported by his late coach Vivek Yadav, and he continues to prioritize performance over extravagance.
