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Punjab Kings' (PBKS) star wicketkeeper-batter Jitesh Sharma has been the find of Indian Premier League (IPL) 2023. He has been creating buzz with his exceptional batting for PBKS and has amassed a total of 260 runs in 11 matches at a stunning strike rate of 160.49 batting at no.6. Many cricket pundits have started seeing Jitesh as India's future wicektkeeper-batter.
Meanwhile, India's batting legend Sunil Gavaskar lavished immense praise on the PBKS' star batter and said that Jitesh's cameos in the slog overs is making significant difference in the game. The 29-year-old started his IPL career with Mumbai Indians (MI) in 2016 but his talent came to the fore when he linked up with PBKS and since then he has been delivering with whatever roled he has been entrusted with.
Notably, Jitesh also earned a coveted spot in Team India fold earlier this year against Sri Lanka. However he didn't get a chance in any of the matches.
Gavaskar also said that Jitesh's contribution with the bat cannot be undermined.
"Jitesh Sharma has been contributing well for PBKS, he's been striking the ball at a good rate at the back end of the innings. He's giving Punjab just the push and momentum toward the last 4/5 overs, which they haven't had in the previous years. So his contribution with the bat cannot be undermined," Gavaskar said while speaking on Star Sports' show Cricket Live.
Meanwhile, PBKS' batting coach Wasim Jaffer is also upbeat about the star wicketkeeper-batter.
"Last year too, Jitesh had put in decent performances. He was included in the Indian squad too (during the home T20Is against Sri Lanka back in January) but did not get an opportunity. I think he has become even better as his batting has improved a lot. He's already a good wicketkeeper as I know him since my Vidarbha days. I've played alongside him," Jaffer said on Sunday, the eve of Punjab's clash against Kolkata Knight Riders at the Eden. It feels nice to see him grow so well as a batter and as a finisher too. He has produced results against quality bowlers and teams," Jaffer said.
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