Jitesh Sharma and Sanju Samson (PTI Photo) NEW DELHI: Indian wicketkeeper-batsman Jitesh Sharma has revealed his bond with Sanju Samson after being selected as the first-choice wicketkeeper for the opening T20I against South Africa in Cuttack. Despite competing for the role, Jitesh described their relationship as warm, respectful and focused on mutual improvement.Go Beyond The Boundary with our YouTube channel. SIGN UP NOW!Talking about Samson’s influence, Jitesh said, “I’m very thankful that he’s in the team and I’m under him. Honestly, he’s like an elder brother to me and I think healthy competition brings out your talent. I think it’s good for the team as well.”
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Noting the immense depth of talent in Indian cricket, Jitesh emphasized that he and Samson share a common goal. “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 side by side, then I have to bring my A game,” he added.He went on to explain that their bond goes beyond professional rivalry. “I think we both try to play for India, not for other teams. We are like brothers. We share a lot of experience. It helps me a lot whenever I am doing possession or batting. That is the thing,” he remarked.Jitesh has featured regularly in India’s T20 setup since the third T20I against Australia during the tour Down Under.In the match, India posted 175/6 after being asked to bat first, with contributions from Hardik Pandya (59* off 28 balls, including five fours and four sixes), Tilak Varma (26 off 32 balls, with two fours and a six) and Axar Patel (23 off 21 balls, with a six).South Africa’s standout bowler was Lungi Ngidi (3/31), while Lutho Sipamla (2/38) also impressed.In response, South Africa never looked in control, with only Dewald Brevis (22 off 14 balls, containing three fours and a six) offering brief resistance. They were bowled out for 74 in 12.3 overs. Bumrah, Arshdeep Singh, Varun Chakravarthy and Axar Patel took two wickets each while Hardik and Shivam Dube took one each.Hardik was named ‘Man of the Match’ as India took a 1-0 lead in the five-match series.
