WATCH: Jitesh Sharma respectfully touches Harleen Deol’s feet after India’s loss in 2nd T20I

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In a memorable moment that stole the spotlight after India’s defeat in the second T20I against South Africa in Mullanpur, wicketkeeper-batter Jitesh Sharma was seen touching Indian women’s cricketer Harleen Deol’s feet. The gesture, captured on camera and widely circulated across social media, has drawn admiration from fans who appreciated the 30-year-old’s humility and respect.

India entered the contest with confidence after a commanding victory in the opening match of the five-game series. However, the script flipped dramatically on Wednesday night (December 11), as the hosts struggled to find rhythm both with the ball and the bat. Winning the toss and opting to field, India hoped to capitalize early, but their plans fell apart against an in-form South African batting unit.

Star pacers Jasprit Bumrah and Arshdeep Singh endured an uncharacteristic off day, conceding heavily without managing a breakthrough. Their inability to strike allowed South Africa’s top order to settle comfortably and dictate the flow of the innings.

Quinton de Kock, in particular, was unstoppable. The left-hander showcased his full array of strokes on his way to a blazing 90 off 46 deliveries, smashing five boundaries and seven towering sixes. His assault put India under immediate pressure, and the momentum only intensified in the death overs.

South Africa capitalized on the strong foundation laid by De Kock. In the closing stages of the innings, Donovan Ferreira and David Miller unleashed brutal hitting, propelling the visitors to a formidable 213/4. Their late flourish left India with a steep chase and little margin for error.

Despite brief moments of promise, India’s reply never truly got underway. The top order failed to stitch partnerships, and the required run rate kept climbing. Jitesh offered some resistance with a brisk 27 off 17 balls, but it wasn’t enough to revive the chase. India eventually folded for 162 all out, handing South Africa a comprehensive 51-run victory, which squared the series 1-1.

Also WATCH: Jitesh Sharma channels inner MS Dhoni to remove Quinton de Kock on 90 with lightning run-out in 2nd T20I

Amid the disappointment of the loss, Jitesh’s heartfelt gesture became the biggest talking point of the night. After the post-match formalities, Jitesh approached Harleen—present at the venue—and respectfully touched her feet, acknowledging her stature and contributions to Indian cricket. The moment, captured in a viral clip, earned widespread praise for reflecting the deep-rooted culture of respect prevalent in Indian sports.

Jitesh Sharma touched the feet of Harleen Deol 🙏

— VIKAS (@Vikas662005) December 12, 2025

Also WATCH: Gautam Gambhir gets furious as Arshdeep Singh bowls 7 wides in one over during IND vs SA 2nd T20I