Bhubaneswar: It’s a dream for all the cricketers in the country to represent Team India. Most of them start their training and preparations meticulously from a very tender age to fulfill their ambition. However, the journey of one of India’s emerging wicketkeeper-batsman is quite different.
Meet Team India’s new explosive wicketkeeper-batter Jitesh Sharma who never had a coach. Moreover, he learnt cricket through YouTube. He was in and out of the Vidarbha team because of his flamboyant batting. However, the fearless and free spirited cricketer is finally reaping the rewards for his passion of the game by getting a chance in the Indian team.
During India’s fourth T20 match in Raipur, Jitesh forged a game-changing 56-run stand with Rinku Singh. He also outscored the southpaw during the partnership by scoring a 19-ball 35 which included three huge sixes.
Recollecting Jitesh’s preparations, former Vidarbha captain Ranjit Paradkar said, “Jitesh watches Suryakumar Yadav’s batting more than Surya himself. He wanted to hit that shot over square leg and fine leg. At VCA, he trained for that particular shot over a week before going to the Asian Games.”
Jitesh also admitted that he is a huge fan of India’s Mr 360 degree batsman Surya.
“I am just trying to observe Suryakumar Yadav. I am not as skillful as him. But I am watching his videos on how he manipulates the field, and how he plays those risk-free shots. I am just trying to learn from his batting. Everyone has a different skill set. I am just trying to explore my game and make it 360,” said Jitesh during an interview.
