Sanju Samson and Jitesh Sharma, the two wicketkeepers on India’s T20 team, are undoubtedly on good terms with one another. Last year, when he was opening the batting, the former was in outstanding form, slamming three hundreds in five Twenty20 Internationals. But when Shubman Gill rejoined the team for the Asia Cup, he lost his position at the top of the order. During last month’s tour of Australia, Samson played a few games in the middle order before being replaced by Jitesh Sharma following lacklustre performances.
They are both trying out to be part of India’s team for the T20 World Cup the following year. However, Jitesh Sharma stated following the first Twenty20 International against South Africa at the Barabati Stadium in Cuttack on Tuesday, December 9, that Samson is like an older brother to him and helps him improve his game by sharing his cricketing experiences, indicating that there is no enmity mixed with competitiveness.
“I am really appreciative of his presence on the squad. To be honest, he is similar to an older brother. Your talent emerges when there is healthy competition. The team benefits from it as well. The talent is immense. You sense it. Sanju bhaiya is an excellent athlete. I must be at my best when I have to compete with him. Both of us are attempting to represent India. We resemble brothers. We have a great deal of experience in common. After the first Twenty20 International, Jitesh remarked, “He really helps me.”
Because the club management believes Jitesh Sharma is more suited to the finisher role than Samson, who is more of a top-order hitter, Jitesh has won a spot in the playing XI. After contributing significantly to the Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s title-winning campaign this year, the Baroda wicketkeeper has established himself as a finisher.
Jitesh Sharma discussed his thoughts about assuming the job of finisher. The ‘thankless work’ comes with pressure, which he said he enjoys.
It’s a challenging job. Basically, finishing games is an unappreciated task. However, I relish the strain. I like the pressure and the thrill when I go in for the final six or five overs,” Jitesh declared.
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