Should Batters Take More Responsibility? NECO Master Blaster Skipper Jitesh Sharma Reflects on First Loss

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Jitesh Sharma emphasizes learning from defeats.
- The batting unit must improve its performance.
- Upcoming matches against Nagpur Titans and Nagpur Heroz are critical.
- Focus on youth development is key for the team's progress.
- Bowling performance showed promise despite batting struggles.
Nagpur, June 6 (NationPress) Jitesh Sharma, the captain of NECO Master Blaster and a player for Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB), acknowledges that the batting lineup must enhance their performance following their initial match defeat. Bharat Rangers secured a narrow 23-run victory against NECO Master Blaster in the Vidarbha Pro T20 League on Friday. Despite not making a significant impact himself, Sharma remains optimistic about future matches.
"This is a developmental stage for us in the Vidarbha League. It’s our inaugural year, and naturally, we will encounter challenges—but what’s crucial is that we learn and progress. The IPL is an entirely different league and shouldn’t be directly compared, but we can undoubtedly elevate our standards and skills here," remarked Jitesh Sharma post-match.
"Indeed, there were errors today, particularly with our batting; however, we want to concentrate on the positives. Our bowling performance was commendable, but the batting unit must assume greater responsibility. As both a player and a captain, I aspire to see the younger players enjoying the game and developing through this experience," he added.
NECO Master Blaster is set to face off against Nagpur Titans on Saturday before taking on Nagpur Heroz on Sunday. "Our strategy for the upcoming match is straightforward—focus on enhancing our cricketing skills and strive for a victory," stated Jitesh Sharma.
While chasing a modest target of 132, NECO Master Blaster crumbled to be bowled out for 108. Tight bowling from N. Bhute (3-32) and M. Dosi (2-23) dismantled the middle-order. The innings of NECO Master Blaster never gained momentum after losing early wickets, with only Gaurav Dhoble and Akash Kombe providing some resistance.
Men's squad:
Jitesh Sharma (Capt, Wk), R. Sanjay (Vice-captain), Aryam Meshram, Adyan Daga, Adyan Routham, Akash Kombe, Vedant Dighade (Wk), Gaurav Dhobley, Ankush Tammiwar, Aditya Khilote, Arya Durugkar, Pratham Maheshwari, Prafulla Hinge, Ananmay Jaiswal, Sarthak Dhabadgaokar, Sanmesh Deshmukh