In Bairstow’s absence, the Punjab Kings can have two choices for the specialist wicketkeeper – Prabhsimran Singh and Jitesh Sharma,
The 29-year-old Jitesh performed 12 matches final season and scored 234 runs at a mean of 29.25, together with 12 sixes.
Within the 2022–23 Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, Jitesh featured in 10 matches for Vidarbha and scored 224 runs at a mean of 56.00. He additionally scored an unbeaten half-century within the event.
The Vidarbha wicketkeeper is assured that the Shikhar Dhawan-led Punjab Kings will register their maiden title win this season. Punjab Kings’ finest IPL present until date was in 2014 once they entered the finals with 11 wins from 14 matches below the captaincy of George Bailey, however misplaced the title conflict to Kolkata Knight Riders.
Jitesh, picked as back-up after Sanju Samson’s damage in India’s squad for T20I sequence vs Sri Lanka, talks to TimesofIndia.com in an unique interview about Punjab Kings’ title probabilities, meets MS Dhoni Key, shared the dressing room with. Hardik Pandya and coach Rahul Dravid, Anil Kumble’s shock dinner name and way more…
How do you price Punjab’s title probabilities this time? and your opinion on the captain Shikhar Dhawan,
Shikhar Dhawan is a superb captain and he leads from the entrance. He has performed lots of cricket and has obtained lots of expertise. He’s a fearless and fearless cricketer. He’s going to guide the Punjab Kings in the identical method this season as nicely. The event is about to begin and we’re 100 per cent positive of successful the title. We are going to know concerning the mixtures when the event begins. We’re prepared, we’re assured, preparations have been made and all of us wish to categorical ourselves by going within the center. We’re assured that we are going to go and win the title this 12 months.
Jitesh Sharma. (Punjab Kings photograph)
How was the preliminary staff assembly this 12 months? Was there a selected dialog that was particular?
Punjab Kings are like a household. Final season we did not qualify (for the knockouts), however nonetheless the seniors, help employees, coach and administration have been very constructive they usually continued to spice up our confidence. He advised us to look forward and search for good issues to return. The most effective factor about this staff and franchise is that it is stuffed with constructive power. Once I joined the camp, I met the coaches and gamers. All of them have been assured that we are going to qualify this 12 months. It was an inspiring begin to the event. This type of atmosphere conjures up and motivates me extra. Once I met Shikhar Bhai for the primary time, he mentioned, ‘Tu bindas rahna, tu mast hoke khelna, primary tere saath stand hoon. Simply go and play being assured. Staying bass constructive (Chill out, play with confidence, I am right here for you. Keep constructive).
Star wicketkeeper-batsman Jonny Bairstow won’t be part of the staff this season. Have you ever taken any ideas from him earlier than?
Final 12 months Johnny and I did lots of work on our preserving. I obtained an opportunity to spend so much of time with him. He gave me lots of ideas. Maintaining ideas, psychological facet of the sport, how you can remember through the recreation, actions whereas preserving throughout a match, what are the fundamental guidelines of wicket-keeping. I discovered so much from him final season. It’s actually unlucky that he’s not within the staff this 12 months. He’s somebody who could make a distinction to the staff as a batsman, keeper and in addition as a person. He has immense expertise. He can watch and watch the sport in a method most cricketers can not. We are going to miss Bairstow.
Who conjures up you essentially the most as a wicketkeeper-batsman and why?
I’ve been a fan of Adam Gilchrist since childhood. He’s my inspiration. The way in which he performed, the way in which he saved, the way in which he confirmed his power on the sector and the way in which he lifted his staff was value watching. I by no means noticed a uninteresting second when he was on the sector. I additionally admire Mahi bhai. Once I met him final season, it was a dream come true. I talked to him about my batting and wicketkeeping. And the way in which he answered my questions, all my confusion was cleared in seconds. He was so clear about all the pieces. I met him in my first match which was towards Chennai Tremendous Kings. He advised me to do no matter I do know however I must be particular, work on my high quality and hold all the pieces easy.
Shikhar Dhawan. (Punjab Kings photograph)
After Umesh Yadav and Faiz Fazal, you grew to become the third Vidarbha participant to get an India call-up. How was the expertise of being within the Indian dressing room? What ideas do you get out of your favourite gamers?
I think about myself fortunate that I obtained a call-up for India. Rahul (Dravid) sir was there. Hardik Pandya and Suryakumar Yadav have been there. It was an ideal alternative for me to be taught from everybody. I talked to him and took ideas from him. He watched my batting and gave me suggestions on my batting. He advised me- ‘Give attention to good high quality batting’. He mentioned that I may give begin to my staff.
After spending two years at MI, you bought your first IPL cap from Punjab Kings. Inform me about that second?
I’m actually grateful to Punjab Kings, former coach Anil Kumble sir and all of the help employees for giving me this chance. He noticed my recreation and chosen me for the Punjab Kings staff. I got here to find out about my debut a day earlier than the match. That night time Anil (Kumble) sir messaged and requested me to return over for dinner. He mentioned, Jitesh, tomorrow goes to be your day, you may be making your debut. He mentioned that your wait is about to finish. He mentioned simply go within the center and categorical your self and do what you’re doing and luxuriate in your recreation. I used to be very joyful. I wasn’t nervous. Subsequent day I obtained my debut cap from Shikhar Dhawan. He will probably be my captain this season.
You initially wished to be a footballer. Speak to us about it…
I used to play soccer in class. My final dream was to hitch the protection forces. I had by no means performed cricket. My grandfather was in Subhash Chandra Bose’s military. My father used to inform me his tales. I used to be very impressed by my grandfather’s achievements. My father all the time wished one in all his two sons to hitch the protection forces. I used to be very eager to do that and I additionally used to play soccer in class. In class, I needed to change to cricket due to additional marks. In Maharashtra, if you happen to play for the state, you get 4 per cent marks. So I began enjoying cricket and now I’m right here.