Jitesh Sharma has lauded Suryakumar Yadav, recognizing him as a major source of inspiration, particularly for those who have found success later in their careers. Sharma emphasized Yadav's immense talent and his ability to provide hope and motivation to late bloomers.
Sharma, a rising star in Indian cricket, has openly expressed his admiration for Yadav, who is now the captain of India's T20I team. He sees Yadav as a "Dronacharya" (teacher), drawing inspiration from his journey and even emulating some of his shots. Sharma recalls successfully executing Yadav's famous 'Supla' shot in the IPL final, a moment that proved crucial for Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) in their victory against Punjab Kings (PBKS).
"Surya bhai is an inspiration for so many people," Sharma stated. "He made his international debut at 31. It gives lots of hope for all the late bloomers". Sharma's own journey reflects this sentiment, as he has made a comeback to the Indian team at the age of 31.
Sharma also appreciates Yadav's clarity of thought and communication skills, considering him to be among the best leaders. He highlighted Yadav's leadership style, which combines comfort with a firm hand when needed. Sharma values the open communication he shares with Yadav, feeling comfortable discussing his concerns and trusting Yadav's guidance. "He is a very clear-minded person. He knows exactly what to do, how to do it, and when to do it. He communicates things clearly. I think he is one of the best leaders because of his clarity of thought," Sharma said.
While acknowledging Yadav's influence, Sharma remains grounded, recognizing the significant difference in their experience and achievements. He humbly stated that comparisons between them are premature, as Yadav has "come a long way," while he has "just come out of the egg".
Despite his growing success, Sharma remains connected to his roots in Amravati, Maharashtra. He embodies the values of a small-town boy, giving respect to his seniors and focusing on team goals. He appreciates Yadav's approachable nature, noting that communication is easier with him compared to some other senior players. "There's so much to learn. All three have very different personalities but I think Surya bhai is a combination of Rohit bhai and Shikhar bhai," Jitesh said to India TV. "I have mostly enjoyed playing under Surya Bhai because communication is easier with him, you can talk to him very freely. Even if he says something to you, you listen to him," he added.
Sharma emphasizes his continuous effort to learn from Yadav, particularly his ability to manipulate the field and play risk-free shots. He sees Yadav as a "storehouse of talent" and actively tries to emulate his techniques. "Wo talent ke bhandaar hai, mai unse seekhne ki koshish karta rehta hoon, unko copy karne ki koshish karta hoon (He is a storehouse of talent; I keep trying to learn from him and often try to emulate him)," said Sharma.
Jitesh Sharma's admiration for Suryakumar Yadav goes beyond his cricketing skills; he is inspired by Yadav's journey, leadership, and ability to instill confidence in others. Sharma's own success as a finisher in the IPL and his return to the Indian team serve as a testament to the impact of Yadav's inspiring presence on aspiring cricketers.
