Jitesh Sharma Discusses Challenges and Strategies for VPL Season 2
Champion's Mindset
As the Vidarbha Premier League (VPL) season approaches, Jitesh Sharma, captain of the T20 defending champions NECO Master Blaster, shared insights on the pressures of title defense, the mindset needed for success, and his expectations for the players this season. After leading his team to victory last year, Jitesh emphasized that defending a championship presents a unique mental challenge compared to pursuing one.
Navigating the Pressure of Title Defense
"Defending the title adds unnecessary pressure and attention towards winning the cup. Chasing a title allows for strategic planning for the next move, which shifts your mindset," Jitesh explained. "When aiming for a win, the focus is on securing the game. However, when defending a title, the thought shifts to not wanting to lose it, which significantly alters your mental approach," he added.
Keys to Continued Success
Discussing the team's strategy for replicating last season's success, the wicketkeeper-batter highlighted the need for consistency and discipline. "Success comes from repeating the same fundamental actions consistently," Jitesh noted.
Empowering the Team
As the captain, Jitesh conveyed a powerful message to his teammates for Season 2, emphasizing the importance of freedom, fearlessness, and trust within the team. "Be yourself and fearless. Regardless of performance, I will support you and trust your decisions on the field. If you fail, I will still have your back. If you succeed, you will still receive my praise," he stated.
Prioritizing Growth Over Results
Jitesh also expressed that his focus extends beyond just winning, aiming for player development both as cricketers and individuals throughout the tournament. "I want players to improve by 2% to 3% during this league. My expectations are modest; I simply want them to show a 10% improvement by the end of the season," he explained.
NECO Master Blaster's Squad
Entering the VPL T20 2026 as the reigning champions, NECO Master Blaster boasts a robust squad that combines seasoned players with promising young talent. The women's team of the franchise is also set to make a significant impact in the upcoming season.
Men's Team Roster: Jitesh Sharma, Adhyayan Daga, Aryan Meshram, Shanmesh Deshmukh, Ananmay Jayaswal, Vedant Dighade, Vaibhav Chandekar, Abhishek Gupta, Shantanu Rajput, Dipesh Parwani, Harsh Dubey, Avinash Jadhav, Arya Durugkar, Gaurav Dhoble, Gaurav Farde, Kush Khandelwal.