India has been struggling to find an ideal replacement for Rishabh Pant since the star wicketkeeper suffered a car accident in December 2021. India has tried KL Rahul, Ishan Kishan, and KS Bharat as wicketkeepers across formats in this duration.
However, one name that has impressed everyone with his performance and ability in the ongoing Indian Premier League is Punjab Kings wicketkeeper Jitesh Sharma. The 29-year-old has been in his best form and has been making some consistent cameos for Punjab down the order.
A number of former cricketers and cricket pundits have praised the 29-year-old and said that he will soon make his debut for Team India in the coming year. Former Australian speedster Brett Lee also lauded the PBKS wicketkeeper and compared him with former Australian star Andrew Symonds.
Jitesh made his IPL debut in 2022, played 10 innings, and scored 234 runs at a brilliant strike rate of 163.64. He has carried on the same form in the ongoing competition as well. So far, he has scored 260 runs in 11 innings at an average of 26 and a brilliant strike rate of 160.49 with 18 sixes. Jitesh has the best strike rate of the players facing the first 10 balls, and many believe that he is the find of the season for Punjab.
In the latest discussion on Jio Cinema ahead of the PBKS-KKR game on Monday, Lee said, ‘He has got a very good power game without trying to over-hit the ball. He reminds me of Andrew Symonds the way he bats. He used to come out and not just hit the ball super hard but in total control. That’s a great asset to have.”
The 29-year-old has been striking the ball beautifully and has made a big impact down the order for Punjab. He has played the innings of 27 off 16, 41 off 27, 25 off 7, 24 off 10, 21 off 10, and 49 off 27. Jitesh will be back in action on Saturday, when PBKS will face Delhi Capitals in their next game at Arun Jaitely Stadium.