Punjab Kings’ wicketkeeper-batter Jitesh Sharma, who has been a part of India’s T20I squads, has shared the groups he would like to play for if not retained by Punjab Kings within the upcoming IPL public sale.
Jitesh has captained Punjab Kings within the absence of Shikhar Dhawan and Sam Curran and served because the workforce’s vice-captain. Identified for his aggressive batting, Jitesh has contributed considerably to Punjab’s center order particularly when the highest order failed.
Not too long ago, Jitesh was a part of the India-Bangladesh sequence however didn’t play as Sanju Samson held the wicketkeeping duties.Samson went on to attain the second-fastest century for India.
When requested if Punjab Kings would retain him for IPL 2025, Jitesh acknowledged that he had not obtained any communication from the workforce. He mentioned, “Let’s have a look at. If I’m of their plans, they’ll retain me; in any other case, they gained’t as a result of I’ve not obtained any communication but from Punjab Kings.”
Jitesh expressed desire for taking part in with Chennai Tremendous Kings or Mumbai Indians. He mentioned, “In the event you ask me personally then I would like to play for CSK or MI.”
Having been a part of Mumbai Indians in 2016-17, Jitesh shared his fondness for the workforce and the Wankhede Stadium. “I’ve skilled the MI ambiance, and I really like Wankhede as a result of, as a Maharashtrian, it has all the time been near my coronary heart. Throughout my youthful days, I watched matches at Wankhede and sat outdoors, feeling the vibe. I wish to expertise that feeling whereas taking part in contained in the stadium for Mumbai Indians.”
He additionally talked about his need to play for Chennai Tremendous Kings attributable to his respect for MS Dhoni and his friendship with CSK captain Ruturaj Gaikwad. “I wish to play for Chennai Tremendous Kings due to Mahi bhai and since Ruturaj Gaikwad (CSK captain) is my good buddy and I get pleasure from taking part in underneath him the identical means I get pleasure from taking part in underneath Surya (Suryakumar Yadav) bhai.”
When questioned concerning the stress of performing within the IPL, Jitesh confused the significance of performing effectively in any respect ranges. He mentioned, “No, performing in every single place is vital. Riyan Parag made it into the ODI aspect due to his performances within the Vijay Hazare Trophy. It’s important to carry out at each platform you get, and the rewards will observe. White-ball gamers may be chosen from the IPL, however home cricket performances are equally essential. I bought my probability due to my home cricket performances.”
Jitesh rose to prominence in the course of the IPL 2022 season when he was acquired by Punjab Kings for INR 20 lakh. Serving primarily as a finisher, Jitesh made a big affect, scoring 234 runs with a strike fee of 163.64. He continued his robust efficiency within the 2023 season, accumulating 309 runs with a strike fee of 156.06.
Over his tenure with Punjab Kings, which spans 40 matches, Jitesh has maintained a batting strike fee of over 151.14, solidifying his status within the league. Regardless of his earlier successes, his efficiency in IPL 2024 was beneath expectations. In that season, he managed to attain solely 187 runs throughout 14 innings, holding a mean of 17.
