Injured Rishabh Pant is unlikely to return to action this year. In his absence, India have tried KL Rahul and Ishan Kishan as wicketkeeper in limited-overs format. In Test cricket, Srikar Bharat donned the gloves during Border-Gavaskar Trophy but failed to make a mark. While India continue to find Pant’s perfect replacement until his recovery, former England cricketer has suggested that Punjab Kings (PBKS) wicketkeeper-batter Jitesh Sharma should get a chance in the international arena.
“India has their Rishabh Pant replacement. Jitesh Sharma, the wicket-keeper from Punjab Kings, is also something special. I think he could be the guy who takes over from Rishabh Pant for India if Pant is out for a while longer. His 25 off seven balls, including four sixes, against Mumbai on Saturday was match-winning,” Pietersen wrote in his Betway column.
Jitesh has scored 145 runs from seven games at an average of 20.71 in Indian Premier League (IPL) 2023 so far. He has scored at a strike rate of 149.48.
Earlier this year, Jitesh got his maiden T20I call-up for the second and third T20I against Sri Lanka. He was picked in the side as Sanju Samson injured his knee and was ruled out of the series.
In the IPL mega auction, Jitesh was roped in for his base price of Rs 20 lakh. In his debut season, he scored 234 runs at an average of 29.25. He had an impressive strike rate of 163.64.
The Vidarbha wicketkeeper-batter has been potent in PBKS’ middle order with crucial cameos towards the end of the innings. PBKS are currently sixth on the points table with four wins from seven games.
On the other hand, Delhi Capitals (DC) are struggling in Pant’s absence. Skipper David Warner is their leading run-scorer but his strike rate has been under the scanner. Despite a win away from home against Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) on April 25, DC are at the bottom of the table. After five consecutive losses, they have managed to register two close wins.
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