Jitesh Sharma thoughts on batting in the T20 format. Jitesh Sharma was one of the Punjab Kings’ few shining moments during the IPL 2023.
Punjab Kings (PBKS) finished eighth on the points table in the 2023 edition of the cash-rich event, adding to their two playoff appearances in all seasons of the Indian Premier League (IPL). The performance of wicketkeeper Jitesh Sharma, though, a bright spot for the Shikhar Dhawan-led team.
In a recent interview, Sharma, one of PBKS’s most destructive batters, discussed his batting strengths. He stressed the necessity of hitting straight down the line and focusing on the ball rather than the bowler. Jitesh made a mind-blowing cameo of 49 runs off 27 balls in the 46th match of this year’s IPL, bringing the Mumbai Indians’ bowlers to task, notably the legendary Jofra Archer.
“We’ve been focusing on playing in the ‘V’ since childhood, as the coaches have said.” I believe that was in my subconscious thinking, which is why when I attack, I like to hit straight. In general, I do not glance at the bowler who is bowling. I look at the delivery since there isn’t much time in T20 to play out a certain bowler. You have to back up your strength, and I believe mine is to hit straight, whether it’s against Archer or anyone else,” Sharma said in an interview with Sportskeeda.
The 29-year-old also did well against spinners, not slogging mindlessly but playing with the turn and maintaining his balance. Sharma emphasized the significance of remaining calm when attempting to hit huge shots.
“When we attack too hard, we naturally lose shape and our head does not remain still. ” So, when you’re more relaxed, you’ll be in a better position to strike the ball. When you’re in a hurry, you may not notice that you’re losing shape while hitting. When you keep your cool, you can smash sixes with a lower risk percentage than when you slog and risk the ball going straight up in the air.”
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Jitesh Sharma talks about adapting to the role of a floater
During the IPL 2023, PBKS utilized Jitesh Sharma at various positions in the batting order. He would sometimes start at No. 3 or No. 4, but in other matchups, he would serve as a finisher. The right-handed batter is one of the few players that can play both positions.
Jitesh noted that the PBKS management felt he could be sent up the order to have a bigger effect because of the presence of finishers like Shahrukh Khan, Sam Curran, Rishi Dhawan, and Harpreet Brar.
“I had previously opened for my state, so I was accustomed to the role. ” It was an opportunity for me to confront more balls and have a greater effect while maintaining a high strike rate. This was due to the fact that we had Shahrukh, Sam, Brar, and Rishi Bhai to follow. So they reason that if they gave me 30-40 balls to face instead of 10-20. I’d have a greater impact on the game because they believed I was capable of playing a huge inning.”
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