‘My dad needed me more than World Cup’:Jitesh Sharma opens up on his father’s demise, cricketing role amid WC snub

Indian wicketkeeper-batsman Jitesh Sharma said that he was certainly disappointed about not getting a place in the Indian team for the T20 World Cup, but soon after, a personal tragedy struck his life, which completely changed his perspective. Jitesh’s father, Mohan Sharma, passed away on February 1st after a short illness. He said that he stayed with his father for seven days at that time, and during that period, he realised that family was more important to him than the World Cup. In an interview given to news agency PTI, Jitesh spoke openly about the ups and downs of his career and personal life. ‘My dad needed me more than World Cup’: Jitesh Sharma On the experience of being left out of the World Cup squad, Jitesh said, “When I got the news of my non-selection, I was a little bit disheartened. I am also a human. I can feel sad and bad. But later on, as time went by, the sad time becomes short.” Further expressing his grief with a choking voice, Jitesh added, “But later on, my dad got ill. And he passed away on the 1st of Feb. So, I was with him for seven days. Afterwards, I got to know that my dad needed me more than the World Cup. After that, I didn’t have any sad feelings, any regret or anything for anyone or for myself also. I am not angry or anything.” ‘Responsible for taking decisions as elder son, can’t be weak in front of family’ After his father’s passing, Jitesh is now playing the role of the eldest son in his family. He said, “I can’t forget that thing, and I don’t want to forget that thing because he is not there anymore. When you lose your dad, after a few days you get to know that you are now responsible for taking decisions in your family as the elder son.” He further added, “And that’s it – to take care of your mother, brother and family. So, I’m someone who can’t show my feelings to them and can’t be weak in front of them because they are looking at me while playing cricket, also. And I have to accept it.” Cricket taught resilience Jitesh says that cricket taught him to move forward with this grief. He said, “If he were alive today, he would have told me to go and practice. Don’t worry about me. So I always bring this thing to my mind that if I’m in sorrow or pain, what he would have told me? I think he would have suggested me to go and play the game. And I’m very proud of it.” Inspired by Rinku Singh Jitesh also drew parallels with teammate Rinku Singh, saying he understood the emotional strength required to return to the field after personal setbacks. “That’s the same thing Rinku must have felt. That’s why he was able to come on the ground again. And it’s a very big thing,” he added. Got inspiration from Virat Kohli Jitesh said that while being with Royal Challengers Bangalore in the IPL, he gets a chance to see Virat Kohli up close, which gives him a lot of inspiration. He said that there is a lot to learn from Kohli’s preparation, discipline and energy. A lot can be learned by just observing small things. The way Virat starts his day and prepares is very inspiring. Although at 32, I cannot match his energy. Three wicketkeepers can also play together Talking about team combination, Jitesh said that he is ready to play in any role. He said that if it is in the team’s interest, three wicketkeepers can also play together. Two wicketkeepers can play their role, and the third can play the role of a finisher. Sanju Samson and Ishan Kishan are also options as wicketkeeper-batsmen in the team.