Punjab Kings (PBKS) keeper Jitesh Sharma has received rich praise from former India captain and coach Ravi Shastri, who called him a ‘Todu’ player, who can get the Indian team call-up any time.
Punjab Kings (PBKS) have managed to stay put in the sixth spot in the ongoing IPL 2023 thanks to some good performances when needed and even won a game when regular captain Shikhar Dhawan was out of action due to a shoulder injury.
The top order of the PBKS has been the reason of key to Punjab’s success, one player who has emerged with his incredible power-hitting skills is wicketkeeper-batter Jitesh Sharma. He showcased his potential in IPL 2022 as well.
And in the ongoing season, the 29-year-old star is primarily being played as a finisher – and he hasn’t disappointed. In 9 matches, Jitesh has scored 190 runs so far with a strike rate of 162.
He’s The Find Of The IPL: Ravi Shastri On Jitesh Sharma
Former India head coach Ravi Shastri believes that Jitesh Sharma is the find of the IPL and could earn the Indian call-up “any time” from now. India is prepping for the WTC final at the moment but has limited-overs assignments following the ICC event.
There is the Asia Cup in September and other bilateral series after the IPL for India to prep for the ODI World Cup and Shastri says that given that Rishabh Pant is not there in the reckoning, Jitesh could play the role of the finisher well.
“He’s the find of the IPL. Rishabh Pant is unfortunately not available but this guy can enter the Indian team anytime. Lower down the order, he’s a todu (fantastic) player. His keeping is great, and he is fearless. You’re talking about Shikhar, he missed 2-3 games with injury, but his intent is amazing. He scored 20-25, but the intent with which he plays is amazing. And then ofcourse, they have (Liam) Livingstone and (Sam) Curran,” Shastri told ESPNCricinfo.
Jitesh will return to action later on Wednesday when the side takes on Mumbai Indians in Mohali.