‘I used to score 50. But ever since I became a finisher … ‘: Out-of-Favor India Star breaks the shift from the’ Opener ‘role
In a game where milestone is celebrated with huge pomp, Jitesh Sharma, nominated by Royal Challengers Bangalore, has strongly adapted to the role of a finisher after being an opener for a large part of his career. The 31-year-old wicketkeeper-bater, once a brilliant top-order batsman, has come up with the reality of his new role-one that often denies the luxury of individual sites, but keeps him in the heart of pushing him for RCB’s pride.
“Now everyone seems to be a finisher,” Jitesh said in an episode of the RCB bold diary, providing a clear insight into the batting challenges in the lower middle order.
“But batting at number 6, number 7 is a difficult task because I have not scored fifty since I started finishing. I was a opener. Earlier, I used to score for fifty and centuries.”
His explosives off 19 balls in RCB’s recent 12-run win over Mumbai Indians were how traditional milestones could not always measure the price in T20 cricket. He said, “When I reached a milestone, I used to enjoy growing my bat,” he reflected.
“But ever since I became a finisher, I never got a chance to make fifty. (It is mostly 10 balls, 30 runs. 20 balls, 40 runs.
“For us, these scores are 50. If you do 60-70 in 30 balls, it’s like 100. And I am happy, so happy if the team wins,” he said.
WK Jitash on Role
Jeetesh’s role behind the stumps has also intensified his awareness of match situations.
“Your brain is definitely tired. The advantage is that you can control the game from there. You get an idea about what your team bowlers can do on one wicket. You can read other big batsmen; this is also an advantage,” he said.
“When a new batsman takes four to six balls, he understands the wicket. I understand that in two balls, because I have taken the first wicket.”
RCB mentor Dinesh Karthik, who himself is a master of Finisher’s craft, sees immense potential in Jitesh. “He is always hungry to learn … If I work with him for a year or two, I think I can touch the boundaries with Jitesh,” Karthik said.
For now, Jitesh Sharma is happy as a clutch cameo of RCB at one time.
