Indian wicketkeeper-batter Jitesh Sharma got the opportunity to shine on the big stage when he was named in the playing XI for the fourth T20I match against Australia in Raipur on December 1.
Jitesh took the opportunity with both hands and played a valuable knock of 35 runs off 16 balls, as well as stitched a 50+ run partnership with Rinku Singh (46) to help Team India post 174/9 on the board against Australia.
After the match, the wicketkeeper-batter said that he was very excited to take on the Australians and play under pressure. Sharma also said that he didn’t talk much with Rinku during their partnership.
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Jitesh Sharma said on Jio Cinema: “Very excited and was eager to get the opportunity. Playing for India and representing the country there is extra pressure and excitement is there. I was keen to perform here. Did not talk too much with Rinku.”
He further added, “VVS sir had told me to back your game, however, you have been playing, so do the same irrespective of the situation. When talking to Rinku I chose to attack the off-spinner and Rinku would take on the leg-spinner or the left-arm spinner.”
Speaking about his preparations for the high-pressure game against Australia, Jitesh noted: “The kind of practice When I practice I look to maintain the intensity. I don’t look to use warm-up deliveries. I plan on facing 20 deliveries straight up and go accordingly. Then I focus on the drills.”
He was benched for the first three T20I matches, as Ishan Kishan and Tilak Varma were picked against Australia. And during that time, he was analysing the Australian bowlers.
Jitesh signed off by saying, “I was not thinking much but I was looking to analyse the bowlers repeatedly, when you are out you can see what the bowlers are planning, against the new batters and I saw it as an opportunity. Even if I am about I am not I do not have a problem with that but I am prepared to step in if needed.”
(With Jio Cinema Inputs)
