India wicketkeeper-batter Jitesh Sharma opened up on his competition with Sanju Samson for a spot in the side's playing XI in T20Is. With both of them being wicketkeepers, it is inevitable that they will compete and their performances will be constantly compared. Notably, Jitesh was preferred over Samson in the playing XI for the first T20I of the five-match series against South Africa.
Sanju is like an elder brother: Jitesh
However, Jitesh has dismissed all rumours of a rivalry between him and Samson, remarking that the latter is like an elder brother to him. He further said that Samson often shares his experience with him and this helps in his development as a cricketer.
“I am very grateful that he is in the team. Frankly speaking, he is like an elder brother. With healthy competition, your talent comes out. It is 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 is when I have to be at my best. We are both trying to play for India. We are like brothers. We share a lot of experience with each other. He helps me a lot," Jitesh said after the first T20I.
Jitesh on his role of finisher
Jitesh also opened up on his role of a finisher. He has built this reputation in the IPL during his time with the Punjab Kings and Royal Challengers Bengaluru. After coming out to bat in the middle-order, Jitesh has been known as a player who finishes the innings on a strong note. He stated that even though it is a thankless job, he enjoys the pressure and excitement of batting in the final overs.
“It is a difficult job. It is a thankless job, basically, finishing games. But I enjoy the pressure. When I go in for the last six or five overs, I enjoy the pressure and excitement," Jitesh stated.
Meanwhile, India defeated South Africa in the first T20I by a massive 101-run margin. After handing the Proteas with a target of 176, the Men in Blue bundled them out for just 74 runs. The second T20I of the series will be held on December 11 in Punjab.