Cricket
Jitesh Sharma didn’t want to play cricket professionally, but he did.
Jitesh Sharma’s just IPL experience until 2022 was being in the Mumbai Indians changing area in 2017 and gaining life examples from his legends. Last year, when he at long last got to play in the competition for Punjab Lords, the 28-year-old grabbed everybody’s eye with his striking strokeplay.
This made it workable for India to pick him for the home series against Sri Lanka recently. Presently, he’s in the T20I group for the New Zealand series, and regardless of whether he plays, Jitesh is certain that he has the right stuff to get along admirably at the most significant levels.
In this meeting , Jitesh discussed his experience growing up, the IPL, and how regardless of how diligently he attempted to move away from cricket, it wouldn’t let him.
When you started out in Amravati all those years ago, did you ever think you’d make it to the Indian team?
I would have rather not played cricket by any means. I wasn’t intrigued, frankly. I used to play cricket with a plastic ball, however when I began playing to get better grades at school, I improved. In Maharashtra, assuming that you play for the state group toward the finish of Class X, you get 4% more checks. I used to play football for my school, however a portion of my companions let me know that our school’s cricket crew is great and that I could get better grades assuming that I played for the state. I just attended the cricket court dates at school to get those additional focuses. The school didn’t have a wicketkeeper, so when they inquired as to whether I was one, I just said OK. From that day on, I began keeping. I was great at getting the ball and got in the school group. When I was in Class X, I had played for the state.
We used to play our school games at the club ground in Amravati. One of the mentors, Amar More, let me know I ought to take up cricket. I let him know that my fantasy was to enlist in the military and that cricket wasn’t my thing. In any case, he made me attempt. Whenever I first went for the Under-16 group, I made the Vidarbha group. Then, when I got to Class 11, I figured I wouldn’t play, yet my dad advised me to utilize cricket to get in shape since wellness was a significant piece of finishing the NDA tests I needed to take after Class 12.
Then, at that point, when I got to the Under-19 level, I was picked again in my most memorable year of qualification. As a matter of fact, I was one of the most youthful individuals to play for Vidarbha’s U-19 group. Then, at that point, in class XII, I continued to play to get those extra 4% focuses. I needed to get a specific number of imprints in physical science, science, and math to pass. At the point when I was picked for the U-19 group for the subsequent year and got along nicely, I understood I could likewise be the commander.
I saw that my life was changing course. (snickers). Then, at that point, the energy started to stream in. I didn’t ponder playing for India or whatever else. I loved playing since we got to go to better places, remain in decent lodgings, and see new things. That is the reason I loved cricket.
Where were you when you were asked to play in the T20Is in Sri Lanka? Did you see it coming?
The group had previously been picked, so I didn’t think I’d be picked. That’s what I knew whether I needed to be viewed in a serious way, I needed to do well in the IPL. I wasn’t in the Ranji group, so I prepared all alone. At the point when Sanju Samson got injured, I was brought in.
I didn’t know whether I ought to call my father, my younger sibling, or my companions. I returned home, plunked down, and told my father and sibling in a quiet manner. Everybody was exceptionally blissful. At the point when I joined the Indian group, I was greeted wholeheartedly. Rahul [Dravid] sir and Paras [Mhambrey] sir were there. I had played for him for a long time at Vidarbha.
I had played in the IPL, so I was accustomed to being in that sort of headspace. There was significantly less pressure. I had a thought of how everything functions, so I was quiet.
At the point when they went into that changing area, it was a personal second. At the point when you go into the India storage space, you have a ton of obligations. I view it as something to chip away at. Perhaps God has allowed me to get this far in light of the fact that he believes I’m sufficiently able to deal with this. Whether we win or lose, everybody in the storage space is continuously grinning and cheerful.
A few years ago, Mumbai Indians signed you. What do you remember about that time?
Those two years were awesome of my life. I was youthful and had a long way to go. MI dealt with me like an individual from the family, and I never felt like another player. I didn’t express a lot of in the storage space, however I gleaned tons of useful knowledge simply by watching. Simply hearing Sachin Tendulkar’s voice used to fulfill me. I used to continue to gaze at him, at Rohit Sharma from a good ways. I used to watch him play cricket, and when he called out to me by me interestingly, I felt like I had scored that sweepstakes.
I was extremely youthful, and I realize that I wouldn’t get to play in light of the fact that Jos Buttler, Nicholas Pooran, and Parthiv Patel were at that point in the group. Be that as it may, I got the opportunity to advance however much I could from them. I saw how they prepared, how they acted in various circumstances, and their opinion on games. During those two years, I gained tons of useful knowledge, and I’ve kept everything with me.
Last year, a different player named Jitesh Sharma played for Punjab Kings. People took notice of how well you finished, especially after you scored 44 runs quickly against Delhi Capitals.
Since we lost, everybody was miserable. I blew up in light of the fact that I realized I might have dominated the match. We wanted two additional hits to win, and I had brought the group close. That game was vital. In the event that we had won, my set of experiences and the historical backdrop of our group could have been unique. In any case, the mentor and more established players enjoyed how I dealt with myself since I had the option to move the game along until the end when nobody figured we could.
The mentor, Anil Kumble, was exceptionally cheerful. My partners in general, including Mayank [Agarwal], Shikhar [Dhawan] bhai, Jonny [Bairstow], and Liam [Livingstone], enjoyed how diligently I attempted to win. After that work, Punjab Lords have somewhat more confidence in me. At the point when a group places cash into you, you must repay them. I truly value the possibilities. It depends on me to satisfy their confidence in me.
What other great things do you remember about the IPL?
After my most memorable game in the IPL, I conversed with MS Dhoni for 10 to 15 minutes. Ambati Rayudu is somebody I’ve played with at Vidarbha, so I requested that he present us. I asked Dhoni how I could continue onward at this level and get huge. He utilized basic words, and from that point forward, I’ve experienced no difficulty grasping him. He said that all over, cricket is something very similar. The SMAT [Mushtaq Ali T20 tournament] isn’t generally so extraordinary as the IPL, and India is the most serious.
You don’t need to change quite a bit of what you as of now have; you simply have to change the degree of power to where you are.
Now that you are so close to the Indian team, do you think about the 2023 World Cup at all?
I’m not that a long ways in front of myself. I don’t carry on that way. I take a gander at each game exclusively. I realize that the T20 World Cup is coming up in 2024, yet in the event that you center around each thing in turn, you will generally get it. I would rather not go to the World Cup, I maintain that the World Cup should come to me. I’m focusing on it.
On Thursday, November 2, Virat Kohli achieved an accomplishment. He became the batsman to surpass 1000 runs in ODIs in 2023, following in the footsteps of Shubman Gill and Rohit Sharma. Not that,. He also joined Rohit Sharma, Shubman Gill, and Pathum Nissanka as the fourth players to achieve this impressive record in the 50-over format within the same year.
Stepping into History with 1000 Runs in ODIs
Entering the realm of history, Kohli’s unwavering determination and exceptional skills were put on display during his match in 2023. Notably, the cricket maestro, now 34 years old, made an indelible impact by surpassing Sachin Tendulkar‘s record, securing the most number of years with 1000 runs in ODIs. Kohli’s consistent ability to perform at such an exceptional level has been a defining characteristic of his illustrious career, as he had previously achieved this monumental milestone in 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2017, 2018, and 2019, before accomplishing it once again in the present year of 2023.
Sachin Tendulkar with god of cricket Virat Kohli pic.twitter.com/zmztejNBBB
— Kevin (@imkevin149) November 2, 2023
An Unforgettable Journey
In an intense World Cup 2023 clash against Sri Lanka at the renowned Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai, Virat Kohli’s pursuit of this historic milestone was realized with an impressive 34 runs. Despite facing challenges, including a rare duck against England at the Ekana Stadium in Lucknow, his overall performance throughout the year has been nothing short of spectacular.
Kohli’s memorable journey was highlighted by an unbeaten century during India’s triumphant seven-wicket victory against Bangladesh at the Maharashtra Cricket Association (MCA) Stadium in Pune. Adding to his illustrious record, he solidified his stature with a brilliant 95 runs, making a significant contribution to India’s thrilling four-wicket win over New Zealand led by Tom Latham at the Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association (HPCA) Stadium in Pune.
Shaheen Shah Afridi, on Tuesday, October 31, achieved a remarkable feat, becoming the third fastest bowler to secure 100 wickets in ODIs. His outstanding performance during Pakistan’s World Cup 2023 match against Bangladesh at the renowned Eden Gardens in Kolkata led to this historic accomplishment.
A Landmark Moment
In the thrilling encounter, Shaheen clinched his 100th wicket in only his 51st match, dismissing Tigers’ opening batter Tanzid Hasan Tamim. The left-arm fast bowler displayed exceptional skill as he struck Tamim on the pads, prompting the on-field umpire to raise his finger. Despite Tamim’s referral to the third umpire using the Decision Review System (DRS), the replays confirmed the ball crashing into the stumps, upholding the on-field decision. Bangladesh lost their first wicket with the scoreboard reading 0 in just 0.5 overs.
Shaheen Afridi soars high yet again with another feat to his name 🦅#CWC23 | #PAKvBAN pic.twitter.com/IlQQ6P5xYK
— ICC Cricket World Cup (@cricketworldcup) October 31, 2023
Surpassing Preceding Records
Shaheen Shah Afridi not only secured this feat in record time but also outshone the accomplishments of esteemed bowlers preceding him. He surpassed the record of the fastest pacer, previously held by Mitchell Starc, who attained the milestone in August 2016 during an ODI against Sri Lanka at the R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo.
Legacy of Excellence
Moreover, Shaheen shattered the long-standing record held by Saqlain Mushtaq, becoming the fastest Pakistani bowler to claim 100 wickets in ODIs. Saqlain had set this record on May 12, 1997, during an ODI against Sri Lanka in Gwalior. It is notable that among the Pakistani fast bowlers, the accomplished Shaheen Shah Afridi follows in the footsteps of the legendary Waqar Younis, who achieved the 100-wicket mark back in February 1993 against Zimbabwe in Sharjah.
Beyond ODIs
Demonstrating his prowess beyond ODIs, Shaheen has made significant contributions in Tests and T20Is as well. Since his debut in 2018, he has garnered 105 wickets in Tests and 64 wickets in T20Is. His exceptional journey began with a strong performance in the U19 World Cup in New Zealand. Notably, he played a pivotal role in Lahore Qalandars’ consecutive victories in the Pakistan Super League (PSL).
A Testament to Talent and Dedication
Shaheen Shah Afridi’s rapid rise to 100 ODI wickets within 51 matches underlines his exceptional talent and unwavering dedication to the sport. As he continues to leave an indelible mark on the cricketing world, his journey serves as an inspiration for aspiring cricketers worldwide. With his remarkable achievements, Afridi has solidified his place in the annals of cricket history, etching his name as one of Pakistan’s most formidable and promising fast bowlers.
Former Pakistan fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar has recently expressed admiration for India’s dominant performance in the ongoing 2023 ICC World Cup. With India securing victories in all six matches, Akhtar highlighted the team’s exceptional display across various aspects of the game. Although the recent batting performance against England in Lucknow was relatively modest, India’s fierce bowling attack, led by Mohammed Shami and Jasprit Bumrah, proved instrumental in securing a remarkable win. This triumph not only solidified India’s leading position on the points table but also exacerbated England’s struggles in the tournament, leaving them virtually eliminated.
India’s Remarkable Bowling Transformation
In his analysis, Akhtar emphasized the transformative impact of Shami’s inclusion in India’s playing eleven following Hardik Pandya’s injury. Acknowledging Shami’s outstanding performances against New Zealand and England, Akhtar credited India’s ability to win matches through their bowling prowess, showcasing a shift from their traditional reliance on batting strength. He commended the collective effort of the Indian bowling unit, particularly recognizing the strategic brilliance of fast bowler Bumrah.
India’s Path to World Cup Glory
Looking ahead, Akhtar voiced his confidence in India’s potential to secure their third ODI World Cup trophy, highlighting the team’s upcoming matches against Sri Lanka, South Africa, and the Netherlands. Expressing optimism, he emphasized the significance of maintaining their unbeaten streak en route to the final, setting the stage for a potential historic ICC World Cup victory. However, Akhtar cautioned against compromising the successful bowling unit once Pandya returns to full fitness, warning against the potential detriment of a partially fit Pandya’s inclusion at the expense of a bowler.
Akhtar’s Praise for India and its Response to Criticism
Addressing skepticism surrounding his praise for the Indian team, Akhtar reiterated the exceptional nature of India’s performance, particularly in their ability to defend a modest total with a significant margin of victory. Undeterred by criticism, Akhtar reaffirmed his admiration for India’s exceptional cricketing prowess, urging acknowledgment and appreciation of their commendable achievements.
Shoaib Akhtar’s Perspective on Virat Kohli
Shifting focus, Akhtar’s history of praise extends beyond team performances to individual players, notably including former Indian team captain Virat Kohli. Reminiscing on Kohli’s resilience during a challenging phase in his career, Akhtar highlighted the pivotal role played by Kohli’s consistent century-scoring performances, leading to India’s victories. Recognizing Kohli’s contribution to the team’s success, Akhtar emphasized the significance of Kohli’s monumental centuries during crucial chases, solidifying his status as a crucial asset for the Indian cricket team.
In a comparison between Kohli and the legendary Sachin Tendulkar, Akhtar acknowledged Tendulkar’s status as one of the greatest batsmen while highlighting the challenges Tendulkar faced as a captain. Drawing parallels, Akhtar expressed confidence in Kohli’s eventual resurgence, expecting him to return to his prolific scoring form once he finds his equilibrium.
In summary, Akhtar’s acknowledgment of India’s exceptional performance and his recognition of individual players’ contributions underscore the team’s formidable presence in the 2023 ICC World Cup, setting the stage for a potential historic triumph in the coming days.
1000 Runs in ODIs: Kohli’s Cricket Legacy
Shaheen Shah Afridi: Fastest to 100 ODI Wickets
ICC World Cup: Shoaib Akhtar says, ‘Mai India ki tareef kyu na karu’
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