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Jitesh Sharma winning the keeper’s race with impactful knock vs Afghanistan: I don’t compromise strike rate for runs
Fast becoming the primary wicketkeeper for India in Twenty20 Internationals, Jitesh Sharma is rather forthright about his belief that strike rate should be given greater weight.
Published: Jan 12, 2024, 03:26 PM (IST)
Edited: Jan 12, 2024, 03:26 PM (IST)
Of course, in T20 cricket, runs are vital, but maybe not more so than the strike rate. Not only is scoring important, but it’s also frequently the speed at which you score that determines whether you win or lose. Furthermore, Jitesh Sharma does not wish to be on the losing side. The Vidarbha cricketer, who is quickly becoming India’s favourite wicketkeeper in Twenty20 Internationals, is rather forthright about his belief that strike rate should be given greater weight. For the Indian squad, which is known for having a strong batting lineup but is sometimes chastised for being hesitant in close games, it is a breath of new air.
Jitesh made a significant knock of 31 off 20 balls in the series-opening T20I against Afghanistan in Mohali. “I always go for strike rate – I don’t compromise on strike rate and it also makes it easier for the following batters,” he said in the post-match presentation on Jio. India lead the three-match series 1-0 after winning by six wickets.
To be honest, Jitesh hardly has a choice when it comes to the number he bats for both Punjab Kings in the IPL and India (often No. 5 or below). In contrast to most players who experiment in the middle order, Jitesh not only has practiced batting at number one but also finds it enjoyable. He has honed his skills to the point that he can attack the ball right away. Jitesh had previously discussed the importance of power hitting drills for a variety of scenarios, such as just one over or in the event that wickets fall early. This interview was conducted with Hindustan Times.
The right-hander is reaping the benefits of his hard work. Getting picked ahead of Sanju Samson for Thursday’s opening Twenty20 International was his first significant win. Jitesh is now the best keeper available if India needs someone to bat at number five or below and score runs at a precise strike rate.
Jitesh actively opposes Afghanistan.
And on Thursday, the 30-year-old demonstrated it. When he took the pitch, India was 72/3 after 8.4 overs. It was barely difficult to maintain the required rate of less than 8 runs per over in T20 cricket, but it only takes a few overs for the momentum to shift drastically. That was not allowed by Jitesh. In only his second ball, he pulled Naveen-ul-Haq for a boundary. After that, he attempted to hit Mujeeb-ur-Rahman for a six, but was out after collecting at least a boundary every five balls.
In addition to making things easier for Rinku Singh, the next batter, he placed more emphasis on strike rate. just as he had described in the post-match broadcast.
But Jitesh knows that attractive 30s may not be enough to earn him a position in India’s XI. His goal is to become a better finisher. “I wish to complete games. When asked what his next objective was, he replied, “I need to keep going and win more games.”
The right-hander struck five fours throughout his impressive innings, but his most memorable moment came when he stumped Axar Patel with his bowling. “Stumping is more unique. It wasn’t a simple one. It’s never easy when the batter gets hit on the inside edge, he remarked.