Jitesh Sharma is set to make his much-anticipated comeback to the Indian T20I team after an eight-month absence, having last played against Afghanistan in January 2024. The upcoming series against Bangladesh is crucial for the Vidarbha wicketkeeper-batter as he aims to reset his career and prove his worth in a revamped Indian T20 setup that now boasts a World Championship title and a new coaching staff.
“It’s always a great feeling to wear the Indian jersey. Also, it’s good to be back in the mix. Looking forward to the series,” Jitesh said in an interview with News18 Cricket Next while training at the National Cricket Academy (NCA). His enthusiasm reflects his readiness to seize this second chance and contribute significantly to the team’s success.
Learning from Past Experiences
The past few months have been challenging for Jitesh as he grappled with high expectations and pressure leading up to the T20 World Cup. In his last six T20I matches, he struggled with form, scoring only 35, 24, 1, 4, 31, and 0. His performance in IPL 2024 was also below par compared to his previous season, where he had scored 309 runs; this time, he managed only 187 runs at an average of 17.
Despite these setbacks, Jitesh remains optimistic about his future. “Yes, I totally agree with that [dip in form]. I was thinking too much about the World Cup, thus putting extra pressure on myself,” he admitted. Now, with a clearer mindset and no expectations weighing him down, he is focused on improving his game.
Embracing Reality After Missing Out
Missing out on the T20 World Cup squad was a wake-up call for Jitesh. He described it as an enlightening moment that allowed him to reassess his approach to cricket. “Aankhein tab khuli jab World Cup ki team announce hui (The World Cup squad announcement did open my eyes),” he reflected. This realization helped him regain focus on his game during the IPL’s final stages, where he showcased his skills as PBKS captain by scoring an impressive 32 not out off just 15 balls against Sunrisers Hyderabad.
His newfound clarity has set him up for success as he prepares for the Bangladesh series. “My mind started functioning properly. I could analyse my game which even reflected in the last two innings I played,” he noted.
Focused on Improvement
With zero expectations from himself, Jitesh is committed to becoming a better cricketer. He understands that current form is vital in T20 cricket and cites it as a significant factor in player selection. “A lesson that I learnt from a few months back is not to expect too much from anything,” he said. Instead of dwelling on past disappointments, he is concentrating on enhancing his batting and wicketkeeping skills.
Jitesh believes that consistent performance can lead to opportunities, including future World Cup selections. “Perform karta rahunga to koi cheez rok hi nahi sakti hai mujhe [Nothing could stop me from excelling if I keep performing],” he concluded confidently.
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Excitement for New Coaching Dynamics
As he prepares for this critical series, Jitesh is eager to work with Gautam Gambhir, who has recently joined the coaching staff. He expressed excitement about learning from Gambhir’s experience and straightforward approach. “I had a few conversations with him before, and he seemed like a very sorted person,” Jitesh remarked.
This collaboration could provide valuable insights into improving his game further while adapting to the evolving dynamics of the Indian T20 setup.
Aspirations Beyond the Current Series
While focusing on the immediate challenge of performing well against Bangladesh starting October 6, Jitesh also has personal aspirations regarding his IPL future. With uncertainty surrounding Punjab Kings’ plans for him following the BCCI’s new retention policy, he expressed a desire to play for multiple franchises but holds a soft spot for Chennai Super Kings and Mumbai Indians due to past experiences.
“Honestly, I would like to play for all teams but if my personal choices are asked, I have a soft corner in my heart for CSK and MI,” he stated candidly.
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