Wicketkeeper-batter Jitesh Sharma on Thursday (January 26) shared his first reaction on receiving a surprise India call-up for the T20I series against Sri Lanka earlier this month.

Jitesh was asked to join the national squad after Sanju Samson sustained a knee injury in the first T20I against Sri Lanka in Mumbai.

Speaking to Hindustan Times, Jitesh Sharma said he was not expecting the call-up and could not celebrate his maiden India selection as he had to rush to join the team in between the T20I series.

"Chetan Sharma sir called me and said, 'You have been selected for two remaining Sri Lanka matches'. I didn't get any moment to celebrate because I had to run for Pune for the remaining matches,” said Sharma.

"I was not aware that I would get a call. I was not expecting a call-up. I was just preparing myself for the IPL because I was not in the Ranji Trophy squad. So I was working on my fitness. But all of a sudden, I got the call,” he added.

Jitesh, who plays for Punjab Kings in the IPL, also revealed how everything changed for him after earning the national call-up.

“Obviously, I was happy and eager to get the chance. After that call, everything changed. I am getting a lot of calls from my relatives, school, and clubs but I am keeping things simple. I am preparing myself for every single opportunity,” he stated.

Even before his India debut, the 29-year-old is aware of his role in the side.

“Yes, I know my role. I will play as a finisher if I get an opportunity. I know many of these guys (Suryakumar Yadav, Hardik Pandya) as we have played against each other in domestic cricket or IPL. There was no problem in adjusting. All of them were very welcoming,” Jitesh said.

In the end, Sharma mentioned that wicketkeeping helps him with his batting as he gets a fair idea of the pitch.

"Keeping really helps me. If I keep well, it translates into my batting. As a keeper, I get a fair idea about how the pitch is behaving,” he concluded.