Ex-cricketer Aakash Chopra on the huge opportunity for Jitesh Sharma in the 5th IND-AUS T20I
Former cricketer Aakash Chopra feels that the fifth T20I against Australia presents a great opportunity for Jitesh Sharma to put forth his case as a lower-middle-order wicketkeeper-batter in India's T20 World Cup squad.
With the Men in Blue having an unassailable 3-1 lead, the final game in Bengaluru on Sunday is only of academic interest. However, Jitesh, who smashed 35 runs off 19 deliveries in the fourth T20I, will want to play another swashbuckling knock to consolidate his claim for a spot in the Indian squad for next year's T20 World Cup.
In a video shared on his YouTube channel, Chopra highlighted the significance of the game for some players. As for Jitesh, he said, "I think how big an opportunity it is for Jitesh. Ishan Kishan is a gun player. He scored half-centuries in the first two matches. However, the big news is that if Virat Kohli plays at No. 3, you won't be able to make a place for Ishan. So only a keeper who plays at No. 5 or No. 6 can play."
The former India opener reckons the game is crucial for Ruturaj Gaikwad and Yashasvi Jaiswal. He explained, "I feel it's an important game for Rutu and Yashasvi because the more runs you score, the closer you will remain to the Indian team when Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, and Shubman Gill are back. Keep accumulating runs so that the pressure remains on the selectors."