NAGPUR: As soon as Vidarbha wicketkeeper Jitesh Sharma announced his arrival in the 2015-16 season by becoming the first from the region to notch-up century in Syed Mushtaq Ali T20 Trophy, Mumbai Indians had spotted him. Former Indian stumper Kiran More was among the MI think-tank that picked Jitesh in the squad for the 2016 IPL season believing he has it in him to excel at higher levels at the age of 23.
Five years after Jitesh's Mumbai Indians stint, the Vidarbha player has graduated into a successful IPL product and has also got a national call-up. Kiran More feels that Jitesh should grab the India call with both hands.
"It was MI who saw Jitesh as a young player. We spotted him early when no one had eyes on him. He had shown great promise and played for Reliance Foundation in DY Patil T20 tournament as well. He developed a lot when he was with our franchise," said More, who is still a part of MI think-tank. More was speaking to media on the sidelines of MI Junior inter-school tournament concluding function at Central Railways ground, Ajni.
Putting light on how MI nurtures players and thinks from a long-term perspective while picking players, More said, "MI is a nursery. We keep searching for new talent. We work throughout the year to find good talent. MI believes in nurturing players. We have nurtured players Jasprit Bumrah, Jitesh and now we are nurturing Kumar Kartikeya and Tilak Verma."
Talking about Jitesh's progress, he said, "It feels great that a guy from a small town is playing for India." The ex-India stumper credited VCA for their role in supporting players like Jitesh consistently.
Rajendra School win 2 crowns
Shri Rajendra High School team won Under-15 girls and Under-14 boys titles of MI junior league with convincing victories. Rajendra High School girls defeated St. Joseph's Convent Girls High School, Mohan Nagar, by 203 runs. The boys team romped to a convincing 8-wicket victory over Podar International School, Besa.
The boys Under-16 crown was won by Aspire International School, Wardha Road. They recorded a 9-wicket win over Centre Point School, Dabha. "It's a great opportunity for kids and you will see many Jiteshs coming from these MI junior tournaments in coming years," More said.
