Punjab Kings batting coach Wasim Jaffer has backed Jitesh Sharma to do well for the national team if he gets a chance in the squad. Sharma has once again impressed with his pyrotechnics in the ongoing season of IPL 2023.
The right-hander has been successful in hitting the ground running for PBKS and has played a key role in adding the finishing touches to the team’s score.
Jitesh has amassed 239 runs in 10 matches fo the Mohali-based franchise at an average of 26.56 and a blistering strike rate of 165.97. In fact, Jitesh was roped in for only INR 20 lakhs in IPL 2022 auction by PBKS and he has done a fantastic job for the franchise.
Meanwhile, Jitesh had also impressed in IPL 2022 as he had scored 234 runs in 10 innings at an average of 29.25 and a strike rate of 163.63. The 29-year-old from Vidharbha continued his good show in the ongoing season as well.
In fact, earlier in the year, Jitesh Sharma was named as Sanju Samson’s replacement in the T20I series against Sri Lanka but didn’t make his debut.
“Of course, last year too he (Jitesh) had a decent performance. I think he has become even better, his batting has improved, he’s already a good wicketkeeper,” Jaffer said on the eve of PBKS’ match against Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR). “I know him from Vidarbha days — I played alongside him.”
Meanwhile, Jitesh Sharma was promoted to number five in the previous match against Mumbai Indians and he was once again able to grab his chance, smashing 49 runs from 27 balls.
“It feels nice to see him grow so well as a batter and as a finisher, because he has batted at No. 5, 6 even 7 and whatever the team has demanded he has produced results against quality bowlers and teams. I feel he’s almost ready to play for the Indian team,” Jaffer said.
The former domestic giant Jaffer hailed Shikhar Dhawan’s captaincy for PBKS. The franchise has so far won five out of the 10 matches they have played and Dhawan has been leading from the front.
“He has been good in captaincy. He done captaincy for India in previously. He has done decent job. Captaincy in IPL and domestic is different. He is getting better as a captain day by day,” Jaffer said.
Punjab Kings will take on Kolkata Knight Riders at the Eden Gardens, Kolkata on Monday in the 53rd game of the ongoing IPL 2023.
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