Team India secured a dominating win by 101 runs against South Africa in the first T20I match at the Barabati Stadium in Cuttack.
During the match, Jitesh Sharma was picked up as a first-choice wicketkeeper-batsman ahead of Sanju Samson.
Speaking about his competition for the spot with Samson, Jitesh feels that there is a healthy competition with the Kerala-born cricketer.
“I am very grateful that he is in the team and I am under him. Frankly speaking, he is like an elder brother to me and I think because of healthy competition, your talent comes out. I think it`s good for the team also,” said Jitesh.
The Amravati-born cricketer then said that, considering Samson`s calibre, he needs to bring his `A-game` to compete with him.
“There is so much talent in the Indian team. You can feel it. Sanju Bhai is out and I am playing. He is a great player. One of the great players. If I have to compete with him, I have to play shoulder to shoulder, then I have to bring my A game,” he said.
Jitesh also revealed that Sanju shares his experience and also helps him out during wicket-keeping or batting.
“I think we both are trying to play for India, not for other teams. We are like brothers. We share lots of experience with each other. He helps me a lot whenever I do keeping or batting. That`s the thing,” said the 32-year-old cricketer.
During the first match, Jitesh scored an unbeaten 10 runs off just five balls, which included a maximum.
Premier all-rounder Hardik Pandya played a crucial role for the side in the series opener. With the willow, he smashed a fiery, unbeaten half-century and also bagged a wicket with the ball. Following his heroics, the right-hander was named the “Player of the Match”. Later, with the dominating victory, the “Men in Blue” have taken a lead by 1-0 against the Proteas.
The second T20I match between Team India and South Africa is scheduled to be played on December 11 at the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh PCA Stadium in Punjab.
(With ANI Inputs)