Asian Games gold much bigger than IPL: Sharma

 

 

 

 

 

IT WAS double delight for hard-hitting Vidarbha batter-stumper Jitesh Sharma who won Asian Games gold on his debut tour for India. The talented player, who has been in the Indian scheme of things for quite a while, received India cap during the Twenty20 event in Hangzhou Asian Games, China where India pocketed their maiden cricket gold. “I was the first-choice wicketkeeper in the Indian team for Asian Games and was thus sure to make my debut. I was well prepared and am very happy to have received the India cap. For me the gold medal for the country is bigger and important than IPL. It is always a nice feeling to make the debut for your country and also win gold medal. Asian Games are just like World Cups which comes after every four years.

 

Being a student of Hanuman Vyayam Prasarak Mandal (HVPM) in Amravati, I know how the athletes work hard to win a medal and bring glory to the country. Now, I can say that I have achieved something for my country,” said Sharma while interacting with ‘The Hitavada’ after a strenuous batting session at SB City Cricket Academy’s ground on the eve of Vidarbha team’s departure to Mohali for Syed Mushtaq Ali Twenty20 Trophy that begins on October 16. Sharing his China experience, Sharma went on, “I met and interacted with many players of the country including shuttlers, paddlers and most importantly javelin thrower Neeraj Chopra. We also supported our hockey team in their match against Pakistan. “China is a beautiful country. People gave us a lot of respect and welcomed us wherever we went. Their nature is helping.

 

They are also a sporting country. I also came to know that sports is mandatory in their school. Cricket is also becoming popular gradually there because a lot of Indians live there and they have their own clubs.” Sharma is not losing sleep over with the tough competition among stumpers for a place in Team India. “I am never bothered about it and always give priority to my own work. It is the performance that finally counts and I will do what is in my hands. India selection is something which is not in my hand,” he was as clear in his mind as he clears the ropes at will. His India cap and experience in the Indian Premier League has been well acknowledged by Vidarbha Cricket Association who have named him vice-captain for SMAT. “I am thankful to VCA for giving my vice-captaincy. It will be an added responsibility for me. I have experience of leading the sides at Under-19 level and also have good experience of IPL. I will concentrate on Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy and will try to give my best,” Sharma signed off.