IND vs AUS 2023: Jitesh Sharma smashes powerful strike straight into umpire

The fourth T20I of the ongoing five-game series between India and Australia saw the Men in Blue aim to clinch the series as they came into the game maintaining a 2-1 lead. As the Indian team came in to bat first, the umpire went through a scary situation in the 14th over of the first innings. 

As Jitesh Sharma took the striker, the batter looked to be in good form as he slammed the ball for a six on the second delivery of the over. However, on the third delivery, Jitesh hit the ball straight through to Chris Green. The bowler failed to catch the delivery and the umpire was caught in the firing line.

Jitesh’s strike hit the umpire, but no harm was done as the official came out unscathed. Jitesh continued his onslaught as he hit the very next delivery for a six and started his innings with brilliance.

Australia need 175 runs to level series

The Indian team will be keen on sealing the series in Raipur. The side came into the game after a loss in the third T20I, where Glenn Maxwell put forth an exceptional showing to chase down the mammoth target of 223 runs.

However, India still hold the upper hand in the series as they lead the five-game series 2-1. The side looked to be in good form in the fourth T20I as well, as they began their innings with openers Yashasvi Jaiswal and Ruturaj Gaikwad scoring 37 and 32, respectively.

It was an off day for Shreyas Iyer and Suryakumar Yadav, who went back to the pavilion after scoring just eight and one run, respectively. However, Rinku Singh helped India stabilise their innings, the star batter scored 46 runs in 29 deliveries. That alongside Jitesh Sharma posting 35 runs in 19 deliveries helped the hosts post 174/9 even though India lost five wickets in last nine deliveries.