Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) vice-captain Jitesh Sharma has thanked former India wicketkeeper Dinesh Karthik for supporting him through an emotionally difficult phase, when he took time away from
cricket after his father’s demise.
Jitesh said Karthik encouraged him to step back briefly and focus on his emotional recovery following his father’s passing in February this year.
“DK anna asked me to take a break, put the bat away for a while and spend time with my family and friends. That helped me reset,” Jitesh was quoted as saying on the RCB podcast.
His Father’s Passing
Speaking to PTI last month, Jitesh Sharma had elaborated on how his priorities briefly changed after his father’s death and how he was able to spend his father’s last days by his bedside.
Jitesh played a crucial role in RCB’s maiden IPL title win last year, during which Karthik also contributed as a batting coach and mentor.
“A lot of the credit for my growth goes to DK ‘anna’. He helped me understand my game better, use my strengths properly and improve mentally,” he said.
Reflecting on his return to the RCB set-up after that tough period, Jitesh said walking into the M Chinnaswamy Stadium had a healing impact on him.
“When I walked back into Chinnaswamy and saw the red and blue again, I felt reborn. Being back in that environment made me feel like myself again.”
Becoming A Better Batter
On his batting approach, Jitesh said he has reduced everything to a single core thought. “For me, it comes down to one thing: watch the ball. If you are present and watching the ball well, everything else takes care of itself,” he said.
Jitesh now views himself as a multi-dimensional cricketer. “I do not see myself only as a wicketkeeper now. I see myself as a finisher and a fielder as well. My job is to find a way into the team, whatever role that requires.”
On missing out on India selection for the T20 World Cup, Jitesh said his ultimate aim remains to reclaim the India jersey.
“Playing for India is still the ultimate goal. I felt I did my part, so I have no regrets. Now it is about staying ready and finding the next opportunity,” the 32-year-old said.
He also spoke about how leadership brings the best out of him. “I have always enjoyed leadership. When you lead, you stop thinking only about yourself and start thinking about how to bring the best out of others. That has always helped me grow.”
(With inputs from Agencies)
