Ashok Sharma Makes IPL Debut for Gujarat Titans, ‘Speed Singh’ Set to Impress

Gujarat Titans have included fast bowler Ashok Sharma in the playing eleven for the fourth match of IPL 2026 against the Punjab Kings. The match in Mullanpur on Tuesday will be Ashok's IPL debut. Ashok is nicknamed "Speed Singh" for his bowling speed of 140-150 km/h. His pace has often troubled other teams in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy.

Ashok Sharma hails from Rampura village near Jaipur. Ashok's date of birth is June 17, 2002. Ashok's father, Nathulal, is a farmer by profession. Ashok's mother is a homemaker. Ashok's mother had wished for Ashok to get a government job. Ashok's elder brother, Akshay, is also a cricketer. Ashok's father did not allow his elder son to play cricket. Therefore, his father didn't want both sons to play cricket. He wanted Ashok to focus on his studies, but his elder brother recognized Ashok's potential. He gave up cricket for Ashok so that his younger brother could have a chance to fulfill his dream. Seeing Ashok's passion for cricket, his father enrolled him at the Aravali Cricket Academy in Jaipur.

Ashok had to travel a long distance every day to reach the academy, after which he started living in the academy's hostel. His coach, Vivek Yadav, passed away during the COVID-19 pandemic, which was a major setback for Ashok. However, he recovered and performed brilliantly in domestic cricket, making his way to the IPL.

Right-arm fast bowler Ashok Sharma worked as a net bowler for the Rajasthan Royals. He was then bought by the Kolkata Knight Riders for ₹55 lakh in IPL 2022, but did not get a chance to play a single match. Later, the Gujarat Titans bid 90 lakh rupees for this player. Ashok has played 4 matches in his first-class career, taking 14 wickets at an average of 29.71. He also has 13 wickets in 7 List A matches. In his T20 career, he has played 10 matches, taking 22 wickets at an average of 15.63.