Jitesh Sharma lauded Hardik Pandya for bringing versatility and experience to the Indian T20I side, highlighting the healthy competition he has with Sanju Samson for the wicketkeeper’s slot. He was speaking after the Men in Blue sealed a comfortable 101-run victory against South Africa at Barabati Stadium on Tuesday.
Hardik came in to bat when India were struggling at 78/4 after 11.4 overs before producing one of his finest T20I knocks, scoring 59 off just 28 deliveries with four sixes and six boundaries at a strike rate of 210.71, powering India to 175 in 20 overs.
“He (Hardik) brings a lot of experience in the team, also talent. When he is around, lots of boys feel confident,” Jitesh said in the post-match presentation. “It gives you lots of experience, because he is a World Cup champion player. That brings lots on the table for the juniors and all the players.”
Jitesh has now moved ahead of Sanju in the pecking order as India’s primary wicketkeeper in the T20I XI. Despite the toxicity that often surfaces on social media in such discussions, Jitesh described his relationship with Sanju as one of brothers, saying the Kerala player generously shares his experience and helps him grow as a player.
“I am very grateful that he is in the team,” Jitesh said. “Frankly speaking, he is like an elder brother. Because of having a healthy competition, your talent comes out. It’s good for the team also. There is so much talent. You can feel it. Sanju bhaiya is a great player. I have to compete with him, that’s when I have to be at my best. We both are trying to play for India. We are like brothers. We share a lot of experience with each other. He helps me a lot.”
Talking about his own role in the team as a finisher, Jitesh termed it a “thankless job”.
“It’s a difficult job. It’s a thankless job, basically, finishing games,” Jitesh said. “But I enjoy the pressure. When I go for the first six or five overs, I enjoy the pressure and excitement.”
India have taken a 1-0 lead in the five-match T20I series and will next face South Africa in the second game on Thursday in Mullanpur.
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