A unique moment was witnessed before the India-South Africa T20 match in Mullanpur.
when women’s cricketer Harleen Deol received blessings from Indian wicketkeeper Jitesh Sharma, who touched her feet.
This incident occurred while the Indian team is preparing for the T20 World Cup.
New Delhi: A very special and amusing moment was witnessed at the PCA Stadium before the second T20 International match between India and South Africa in Mullanpur. Women’s World Cup star players, including Harleen Deol, were present at the stadium. During this time, a conversation between Indian men’s team wicketkeeper-batsman Jitesh Sharma and Harleen Deol was captured on camera, in which Jitesh touched Harleen Deol’s feet and sought her blessings. This incident comes at a time when the Indian men’s team is playing a long series against South Africa and New Zealand as part of their preparations for the T20 World Cup.
A special moment in the presence of heroes
Upon the series reaching Punjab, stands at the PCA Stadium were unveiled in the names of 2011 and 2025 World Cup stars Yuvraj Singh and Harmanpreet Kaur. On this occasion, Harleen Deol, known for her playful nature, met Jitesh Sharma, who was warming up before the match. Harleen jokingly asked Jitesh to touch her feet, and Jitesh, without hesitation, touched her feet and had a brief conversation with her. It seemed that Harleen was wishing him good luck for the match.
This moment is also significant because Jitesh Sharma is currently the first-choice wicketkeeper for the Indian team and is expected to play in the upcoming home T20 World Cup. After the women’s team’s historic achievement, Harleen’s blessings could be a great source of inspiration for the men’s team to win the World Cup once again.
Match result and Jitesh’s performance
However, despite this inspiration, India suffered a 51-run defeat at the hands of South Africa a few hours later. Chasing a target of 214 runs set by South Africa, the Indian team was all out for 162. Individually, Jitesh Sharma played a short but useful innings, scoring 27 runs, including two fours and two sixes. He also effected a run-out of Quinton de Kock, who was batting on 90, while wicketkeeping.
