Synopsis
Jitesh Sharma, wicket-keeper for RCB, reflects on how striving for extra marks in 10th grade led him to cricket. His journey from aspiring Air Force officer to representing India is inspiring, emphasizing the value of perseverance.Key Takeaways
- Royal Challengers Bengaluru wicket-keeper Jitesh Sharma shares his unexpected cricket journey.
- His pursuit of four extra marks in 10th grade changed his career path.
- Jitesh represents Amravati as the first Indian cricket player.
- He discusses the challenges of being a finisher in cricket.
- His transition from opener to finisher has been rewarding yet challenging.
New Delhi, April 16 (NationPress) Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) wicket-keeper batter Jitesh Sharma was initially aiming for a career in the armed forces, but his pursuit of an additional four percent in his 10th grade changed the course of his life.
In Maharashtra, students who excel in sports are awarded extra marks, prompting Jitesh and his friends to try out for cricket, leading to a transformative experience.
“During my 10th grade, I aspired to join the NDA. My dream was to serve in the Air Force and the Defence forces. In Maharashtra, representing your school in either the 10th or 12th standard earns you 25 marks, which is an extra 4 percent,” he explained.
“One day, my friend suggested we participate in a cricket trial for those extra marks. I agreed. When we arrived, they were recording names for different roles — batsman, bowler, and the least populated category was ‘wicketkeeper’.”
“All three of us decided to write down ‘wicketkeeper.’ That’s where it all began,” Jitesh shared during his appearance on ‘Bold Diaries.’
He made his international debut at the 2023 Asian Games in Hangzhou and has played nine T20Is for India, accumulating 100 runs with a top score of 35. The 31-year-old expressed pride in being the first player from Amravati to don the national jersey.
“It’s an overwhelming feeling that’s hard to put into words. I want to tell the younger generation that every struggle is worth it. The pain you go through is insignificant when you wear that jersey,” he continued.
“I feel a significant responsibility because I believe I’m the first player from Amravati to represent India. My journey inspires others to believe that if I can achieve it, so can they.”
Jitesh debuted for the Punjab Kings in 2022 after being acquired for his base price of Rs 20 Lakhs, establishing himself as a finisher by scoring 730 runs over three seasons. RCB secured his services for an impressive Rs 12 crore during the mega auctions.
He reflected on his evolving role and the challenges it entails.
“Now, everyone is competing to be a finisher, but it’s a challenging position to bat at number 6 or 7. Since I transitioned to finishing, I haven’t hit a fifty. I was once an opener, frequently scoring fifties and centuries. I miss the joy of acknowledging my milestones. Now, scoring 10 runs off 10 balls or 20 runs off 20 balls feels like a victory. If I can score 60–70 runs in 30 balls, it feels like a century to me, and I’m content as long as the team wins,” he concluded.
