IPL 2022: Jitesh Sharma stated why he chose to wear jersey number 99. Vidarbha and Punjab Kings wicketkeeper-batsman made the choice to do so for an intriguing reason. He claimed that he chose the number 99 in imitation of his cricketing hero Sourav Ganguly. He claimed he admired the former India captain’s tenacity. Additionally, he believes that his character is very similar to that of his idol.
It comes as no doubt that Dada (Ganguly) is one of the most influential figures in Indian cricket. The iconic Indian cricketer inspired millions of kids to don the blue jerseys and represent India.
Sharma did admit, though, that he didn’t watch Ganguly during his days as a player. He nonetheless learned a lot about the former Indian left-handed batter from his father. He also looked to his impact on the Indian cricket team and his tenacity outside of India for inspiration.
Vidarbha’s batter, just like Ganguly, dislikes being dominated by others. He is also not self-centered and always plays for the team’s success. There is no better role model at leading the squad and being a team player than Ganguly.
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IPL 2022: Ganguly Was the First One to Fight for the Team – Jitesh Sharma
IPL 2022: “Since childhood, I have been a huge fan of Sourav Ganguly. Even though I did not see him play a lot, my father used to talk a lot about him,” Sharma said on the show, “Say Yash to Sports” with Dr. Yash Kashikar.
The 28-year-old recalled how his father used to refer to Dada (Ganguly) as Tiger back in the day. Moreover, he thinks Ganguly is the person who transformed Indian cricket and their mindset.
Ganguly is one of Indian cricket’s greatest and best-ever captains without a shadow of a doubt. He is credited with restoring India’s image after being named captain in 2000.
The Indian cricket legend led his country to several famous victories. Two of his most notable victories as captain were the 2002 Natwest Series in England and the joint 2002 ICC Champions Trophy in Sri Lanka.
“Also, I liked his fighting spirit. Whenever everyone used to be quiet, and India couldn’t dominate outside, he was the first one who fought for the team. I feel that my nature is quite same,” Jitesh said on Ganguly.
Jitesh drew parallels between Ganguly and himself by saying that he despises being tried to dominate. He expressed his desire to play for the team and win. The player concluded by claiming that Ganguly was the reason why he chose the #99 jersey number.
Sharma was signed by the Punjab Kings for IPL 2022. He featured in 12 games, amassing 234 runs at a great strike rate of 163.64. He played a crucial role behind the wickets as well, taking nine catches and successfully stumping two opponents.
 batsman Jitesh Sharma has revealed that he chose to wear the no 99 jersey because of Indian icon Sourav Ganguly.){kind=link}