Wicketkeeper-batter Jitesh Sharma recently opened up about his first reaction after receiving a surprise India call-up for the T20I series against Sri Lanka. The Punjab Kings batter was announced as a replacement for injured Sanju Samson, who sustained a knee injury in the first T20I against Sri Lanka in Mumbai.


Speaking exclusively to SportsTiger, Jitesh Sharma revealed that he received a call from Chief Selector Chetan Sharma days before the announcement, but he didn't tell anyone till he received the plane tickets from BCCI. 

" I received a call from Chetan sir and my first thought was that they called me to take feedback on my rehab and training in NCA. However, he (Chetan Sharma) told me to pack my bags for the Sri Lanka series and said that I will receive plane tickets soon. I didn't tell anyone about the call till I received the tickets as I thought, 'what if they change their mind'?", said Jitesh. 

Jitesh also revealed that he received so many calls after the selection and is still getting congratulatory messages even today.

“Obviously, I was happy and eager to get the chance. After that call, everything changed. I am getting a lot of calls from all corners till today and I am planning to change my number as I am a quiet person", revealed Jitesh.