'I was preparing for the IPL when I received India call-up'- Jitesh Sharma

Jitesh Sharma [Source: Twitter]

Vidarbha wicketkeeper-batter Jitesh Sharma has been the talk of the town lately following his impressive showing in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy 2022-23. 

Jitesh is included as a backup for keeper Ishan Kishan in the Indian T20I squad against New Zealand after earning a surprise call-up in the Sri Lanka series earlier this month. 

Speaking to Hindustan Times, the 29-year-old opened up on receiving a call from chief selector Chetan Sharma and how he was unaware of the national call-up.

Jitesh also talked about his role in the Indian side, which will be more on the lines of a finisher, and wished to keep working on his wicket-keeping skills. 

Here's what Jitesh revealed

"Chetan Sharma sir called me and said, 'You have been selected for two remaining Sri Lanka matches'. I didn't get any moment to celebrate because I had to run for Pune for the remaining matches,

"I was not aware that I would get a call. I was not expecting a call-up. I was just preparing myself for the IPL because I was not in the Ranji Trophy squad. So I was working on my fitness. But all of a sudden, I got the call. Obviously, I was happy and eager to get the chance."

The first T20I between India and New Zealand will take place on Friday at the JSCA International Stadium Complex in Ranchi. 

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