IPL 2022 | If you can add power to a sound technical game, it can only be good: Jitesh Sharma

Vidarbha wicketkeeper-batsman Jitesh Sharma, one of the most promising performers in IPL 2022, described his habit of learning a new shot every year for his wide range of strokes.

The 28-year-old wicketkeeper batter, who has been playing limited overs cricket for Vidarbha since 2014, was with the Mumbai Indians (MI) squad in 2017 and didn't get a chance to play. 

However, he grabbed his opportunity with both hands when he got the opportunity to play for the Punjab Kings and impressed with his audacious strokeplay.

Jitesh has cemented his place in the playing XI with his performance. In seven innings in the Tata IPL 2022, he has scored 162 runs, including three 30-plus scores at a very high strike rate of 167.

Virender Sehwag praised Jitesh Sharma and wanted him to be included in the Indian squad for the T20 World Cup as a backup wicketkeeper player.

Speaking on Virender Sehwag's comments, "Grateful that Sehwag sir has said this about me, but I can only do what is in my control and selection is certainly not," he said.

"I didn't expect that I would have a season like this. As a cricketer, you can only try to have the right mindset and focus on performance. The rest is uncontrollable. That is what I tried to do," he added.

Jitesh has not made any changes to his batting in the IPL. On the contrary, he successfully blended skills and power to play impactful innings for Punjab throughout the season.

"I have worked hard on this (on his range of strokes). Playing straight is my strength. It is down to preparation again. I also try to learn a new shot every year or learn something new,"

"While during tournaments, I don't try to do anything different. What I have known all these years I am doing that only. There are minor changes I have made, including in my power game, the right posture and having a strong base. This is what our power coach has taught us,"

Wicket Keeper batter feels skills and power are needed in modern day cricket.

"Every technical batter is a power-hitter. Cricket is a mixture of technique and power. If you can add power to a sound technical game, it can only be good." he said.