Punjab Kings (PBKS) batsman Jitesh Sharma has revealed his conversation with India head coach Rahul Dravid. He explained how the former Indian captain instilled in him confidence and told him to keep hitting the way he has been.
Jitesh Sharma since the last two IPL seasons has taken the cricket world by storm. The keeper-batsman has had some impressive cameos and in no time, he has become the backbone of the Punjab Kings batting lineup, winning matches.
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Jitesh Sharma’s unique ability to consistently finish the game for the team attracted many and there were calls to include him in the Indian squad. Quite a few eyebrows were raised when he didn’t make the cut in the squad for the T20I series against the West Indies and BCCI also received criticism for it.
But a few weeks later, Jitesh Sharma was named to the Indian squad for the 2023 Asian Games, which will be played in China from September 23 to October 8. For the first time, the Indian men’s team will participate in the competition. With many youngsters in the team, it is fair to say that the goalkeeper-batsman will have to play a vital role in the team.
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Jitesh Sharma, who was selected in the Indian squad for the T20I series against Sri Lanka earlier this year, learned from the best Rahul Dravid during that time. He revealed how the Indians’ head coach told him hitters like it and that’s what they’re looking for in the future. Speaking to PTI, he said:
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“There are always discussions about how it can be improved. Yes, I had talks with Rahul sir, when I was selected during the home season a few months ago.
“Jaise hitting kar rahein ho, waise hi karte raho. Aur yehi dekh rahe hain hum ke liye for the future.
“Humein aise players hello chahiye is position ke liye. (The way you’re hitting, continue in the same vein. We’re specifically looking for players like these for certain hitting positions (No. 5 and 6),” Jitesh on the message Dravid sent him.
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Asian Games: “I’m not surprised”, Jitesh Sharma in India-call
Jitesh Sharma was asked whether he was surprised to receive an Indian call or not. In response to this, he says that he’s been in the mix for a while and he had it coming. He explained:
“Not surprised. Somehow, as a player, you get the feeling that you’re there in the mix and I think it was a well-deserved call-up.”
It remains to be seen if Jitesh Sharma makes his debut for the Indian team at the Asian games or sooner. The batsman could be seen in the Ireland team.
India Team for Asian Games:
Ruturaj Gaikwad (Captain), Yashasvi Jaiswal, Rahul Tripathi, Tilak Varma, Rinku Singh, Jitesh Sharma (week), Washington Sundar, Shahbaz Ahmed, Ravi Bishnoi, Avesh Khan, Arshdeep Singh, Mukesh Kumar, Shivam Mavi, Shivam Dube, Prabhsimran Singh (week)
Waiting Player List: Yash Thakur, Sai Kishore, Venkatesh Iyer, Deepak Hooda, Sai Sudarsan
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