Have to score to get selected: Jitesh Sharma reflects on his mindset for T20 World cup selection

ANI April 10, 2025 159 views

Jitesh Sharma candidly revealed his mental struggles during World Cup selection periods in the IPL. He openly admitted to overthinking and losing focus on his game last year, which impacted his performance. Dinesh Karthik emerged as a crucial mentor, providing mental support and strategic guidance to help Sharma regain his confidence. His honest reflection shows the psychological challenges cricketers face during high-stakes tournament selections.

"Last year, because of the World Cup selection, I was not present in the IPL" - Jitesh Sharma
New Delhi April 10: Royal Challengers Bengaluru wicketkeeper-batter Jitesh Sharma spoke about the pressure he felt to perform well in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 in order to get selected for the World Cup.

Key Points

1

Jitesh overcame mental pressure with Dinesh Karthik's mentorship

2

Scored 85 runs in first four IPL 2024 matches

3

RCB invested Rs11 Crore in talented finisher

4

Battled overthinking to focus on game strengths

He admitted that he was playing with his mind last year and not focusing on the game itself.

"Last year, because of the World Cup selection, I was not present in the IPL. So, in every game, I was thinking that I have to score, I have to score to get selected in the World Cup. I am not ashamed to accept it. I am a human. A human can make mistakes, and I have no problem with that. Last year, I was playing with my mind," Jitesh Sharma said in a video shared by IPL.

He described how Dinesh Karthik became his mentor after the IPL auction. Karthik recognized that Sharma was overthinking and offered mental support, encouraging him to focus on his strengths and implement his advice in Syed Mushtaq tournament.

"Then I spoke to D.K. [Dinesh Karthik], and I told him that these were the things I was playing with in my mind. My work with D.K. started after the auction. As soon as the auction was over, I got a call from him. He was saying that this year, I am thinking so much for you that I know your strength. So, he was talking mentally. When Vijay Hazare and Syed Mushtaq was playing, he was saying that whatever I am saying, try to do it in the matches," he added.

Jitesh Sharma was first purchased in the IPL by the Mumbai Indians in 2016 and retained in 2017, but he didn't get a game with them. He was again bought in the IPL 2022 auction by the Punjab Kings, and he made an impression as a finisher. Jitesh scored 234 runs at a strike rate of 163.64 in IPL 2022 and followed it up with an impressive season in 2023, racking up 309 runs at a strike rate of 156.06. His performances as a finisher earned him his T20I debut.

RCB picked him ahead of the IPL auction 2025 for Rs11 Crore. So far, in four matches, he has scored 85 runs with an average of 42.50 and a strike rate of 184.

Royal Challengers Bengaluru are set to take on Delhi Capitals in the 24th match of the IPL 2025 on April 10 at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru. RCB is still looking for its first win at home, even though it has sealed victories in all three away games of the competition so far.

Reader Comments

R
Rahul K.
So refreshing to hear a cricketer be this honest about mental struggles! The pressure must be insane when World Cup selection is on the line. Hope he continues his great form this season 🔥
P
Priya M.
DK proving once again why he's one of the best mentors in cricket. The mental game is just as important as physical skills. Great to see senior players supporting youngsters like this!
A
Arjun S.
His strike rate of 184 this season is insane! But I do wonder if he can maintain this consistency throughout the tournament. The real test will be when he faces quality bowling attacks.
S
Sanjana P.
Mental health in sports needs more attention. So many young players must be going through similar pressures. More power to Jitesh for speaking up! 💪
V
Vikram J.
While I appreciate his honesty, I feel the article could've explored more about his technical improvements. His wicketkeeping skills are equally important for World Cup selection, not just batting.
N
Neha T.
That 11 crore price tag seems totally justified now! RCB finally making smart buys after all these years 😂 Hope he helps them win their first home game today!

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Tags:
Jitesh Sharma IPL 2024 T20 World Cup Royal Challengers Bengaluru Dinesh Karthik Cricket Selection
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