The young Jitesh Sharma could be one of a few Indian players who might don the blue in the T20Is in the upcoming five-match series against the West Indies in August this year. The Punjab Kings (PBKS) wicketkeeper has been in sublime form in his two IPL seasons so far and has shown consistency in his finishing too, something India are in need of now. In 26 IPL games, he has 543 runs to his name with a strike rate touching almost 160 as well.

Speaking exclusively to Sportskeeda, Jitesh Sharma said: “I feel whatever preparation you do for a World Cup when you represent your country, it begins about a year and a half before the event. With the T20 World Cup 2024 in the West Indies, I feel it is the best time to test the players who will be playing in that world cup.”It will be great for them to get used to those conditions in the West Indies and realize how the wickets play and perform accordingly. This will only help them be comfortable when they travel to the T20 World Cup next year.”

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He further added: “I feel for any cricketer, three things are important – to remain physically fit, to be in a mentally good place, and skill-wise to be up to the mark. I focus on these three things and if you look after these then it doesn’t matter what format you play, you can make the mental adjustment. I feel you can play comfortably no matter what the format. For me, every match is important as I feel that as cricketers we are lucky to play the game professionally.”

However, just like Jitesh Sharma, Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) batter Rinku Singh is also on the radar and he could also be a part of the Indian T20I squad, courtesy of his incredible performances. Meanwhile, Jitesh isn’t surprised by the heights Rinku reached in IPL 2023 as he expected him to do well.

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“Rinku is a highly-talented player. He did arrive a bit late as he was in the IPL circuit for the past 4-5 years, but I have seen him play these incredible knocks. We have played together in the Central Zone and I am absolutely not surprised with what he has achieved because he is that good a player. Hopefully, we will finish some innings by being at the crease together. He is someone who is matured enough to know his strength and is a fantastic fielder as well,” he concluded.