NEW DELHI: India’s wicketkeeper-batter
Jitesh Sharma has shed light on the unique pressures and mindset required to succeed as a T20 finisher, stressing that adaptability is the most crucial trait in the modern game.
Defending champions India will open their
Asia Cup 2025 campaign against UAE on Wednesday in Dubai, and Jitesh’s recent reflections underline the evolving demands on players tasked with closing out matches.
Go Beyond The Boundary with our YouTube channel. SUBSCRIBE NOW!Speaking on the RCB Podcast, Jitesh explained that unlike top-order batters, finishers must prepare for uncertainty. “Batters from No.1 to No.3 have basic plans with them because they know they are going to face 120 balls. But we don’t know how many balls we will face, what situations we may face,” he said.
He revealed how adaptability often determines batting order decisions in T20 cricket. “The match starts for me when I put my feet across the rope.”
On the topic of matchups, Jitesh argued that traditional theories of batter-bowler vulnerabilities no longer hold true. “Nowadays you can see Rajat Patidar hit the best sixes to a left-arm spinner. Nicholas Pooran hits an off-spinner for three sixes in an over. That theory was there earlier but now it has totally changed — anyone can hit,” he said.
He also pointed out how modern batters are more innovative against the best bowlers in the world. “Earlier people would be scared to hit a sweep off Jasprit Bumrah, now they are playing a reverse sweep. Everything has changed now, the left-right combination doesn’t matter. But yes, there is extra responsibility, that when there is a team collapse, we have to change our planning instinctively.”
As India gear up for their title defense, Jitesh’s insights reflect the fearless, flexible mindset expected from finishers in today’s T20 era.
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