"I Was Preparing For The IPL; Chetan Sharma Sir Called And Said I’ve Been Picked For India": Jitesh Sharma
Published - 26 Jan 2023, 11:15 AM | Updated - 23 Aug 2024, 12:15 AM
Jitesh Sharma, a backup wicketkeeper-batter chosen for the New Zealand T20Is, discussed his feelings in an exclusive conversation with Hindustan Times.
When Jitesh made his List A debut in 2014, he defeated an Uttar Pradesh team captained by the then-Indian spinner Piyush Chawla in his third game, scoring a century.
IPL 2023 | New Zealand tour of India 2023 | Dream11 Prediction | Fantasy Cricket Tips | Cricket Match Prediction Today | Cricket News | Cricket Live Score | Australia tour of India 2023
His accomplishments at the top of the order quickly attracted the attention of IPL scouts, and in 2017 he was selected by the Mumbai Indians. But after that, the waiting game started.
The star-studded Mumbai Indians, who ultimately won the championship that year, did not allow Jitesh to join their starting lineup. He was soon afterwards released. Before he made the decision to drop down the batting order, his domestic career had been on the decline for a few years.
IPL 2023 | India National Cricket Team | IND vs NZ 2023 | India vs New Zealand 2023 | IND vs AUS 2023 | India vs Australia 2023
In the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy season of 2021–22, he switched from being an opener to a finisher and soon gained notoriety for his six-hitting skills. With 19 sixes, he finished as the tournament’s top six-hitter.
“I was not aware that I would get a call”: Jitesh Sharma
He wasn’t selected for the Ranji Trophy team, so he was waiting for the IPL as he was psychologically prepared for another long journey when he received a call from India’s chairman of selectors.
“‘You have been selected for the two remaining Sri Lanka matches,’ stated Chetan Sharma sir. I didn’t get to celebrate since I had to run for Pune in the remaining games, “Jitesh Sharma said.
“I was not aware that I would get a call. I wasn’t expecting to get called up. I was just getting ready for the IPL because I wasn’t selected for the Ranji Trophy. So I worked on my fitness. But then I got the phone call,” Jitesh Sharma said.
“Obviously, I was overjoyed and thrilled to obtain the opportunity. Everything changed after that phone call. I’m getting a lot of calls from family, school, and groups, but I’m keeping it simple. I am preparing for every possible chance,”Jitesh Sharma Added.
Sanju Samson, who was sidelined with a knee injury, was replaced by him for the two T20Is against Sri Lanka.
Also Read: IPL 2023: Anil Kumble Names His All Time IPL XI, Leaves Out AB de Villiers
Virat Kohli | Rohit Sharma | Rishabh Pant | KL Rahul | Suryakumar Yadav | Sanju Samson | Shreyas Iyer | Yuzvendra Chahal | Jasprit Bumrah
