Young Indian cricketers Rinku Singh and Jitesh Sharma have got the opportunity of a lifetime as they are soon going to don the blue jersey and take the field in international cricket for the first time in Ireland this month.
Rinku and Jitesh both got their maiden India call-ups for the three-T20I series against the Irish. The matches will be played in Dublin from August 18.
The talented batters broke the selection doors and made their way into the Indian national team thanks to their stellar performances in the IPL and domestic cricket.
It is now time for them to shine at the biggest stage and prove their mettle in India colours.
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But even before they take the field, the very experience of travelling in business class with the Indian team is also new for both players.
Both Rinku and Jitesh sat next to each other on the flight to Dublin and opened up about their luxurious travel and how it felt to get selected in the Indian team.
Excerpts from the interview:
Jitesh: Rinku this is your first time travelling in business class with the Indian team. How do you feel?
Rinku: It feels very nice. It is a dream to play for India. When I saw my name on my jersey No. 35 in my room, it was such a nice feeling. I got emotional... the thing which I was working so hard for was now in front of me.
Jitesh: When did you first get to know about your India selection?
Rinku: I was in Noida where I was practicing with my friends when the Indian team for Ireland was announced. When my name came up I called my mother. My mom always used to tell me that I have to play for India. Now both of our dreams have been fulfilled.
Jitesh then went on to remind Rinku that they both made their debut in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy in 2013 and that too in the same match. Jitesh made his debut for Vidarbha against Rinku who was representing Uttar Pradesh for the first time.
And now both of them are travelling together on their maiden tour for India.
Rinku: It feels great that you are with me on this tour. Because I can't speak in English but you can very well. This is also the first time we both are travelling in business class, it is quite tough to know what to do and what not to do. How do you feel in business class for the first time?
Jitesh: It is a great experience when you travel with the Indian team to a foreign country. I feel it is a responsibility and an opportunity to express ourselves.
