North-Indian outfit Punjab Kings will miss the services of explosive English Wicket-keeper Batsman Johnny Bairstow says Uncapped Indian Wicket Keeper batter Jitesh Mohan Sharma. The Maharashtra born player was picked up Punjab Kings during the 2022 Mega Auction.
The same season Johnny Bairstow became an integral part of the team as he smacked 253 runs in 11 outings. He averaged 23 and was expected to play a more responsible role this season but due to an injury which he suffered last year has ruled him out of the fray.
Breaking News π¨:-
Johnny Bairstow Ruled Out of Test Series Against Pakistan Due to Injury.
(Source – The Mail)#Cricket #PAKvENG pic.twitter.com/nhC4ArjzVg
— #IPL2023 #PAKvNZ #IPL2023 #IPL2023 (@PAKSport_Tv) October 4, 2022
The English Cricket board refused to provide NOC to Bairstow and it will be up to Jitesh Sharma and Prabhsimran Singh to keep the wickets and try to influence games just like the injured Englishman. It will be a good chance for both of the players to make a name for themselves and bring some attention to their name.
Jitesh Sharma in specific will definitely have a golden chance to cement his spot in the PBKS XI. In his debut season last year, the 29-year-old amassed 234 runs with a strike rate of over 160 powered by 12 Sixes. He is coming off a decent for in the domestic circuit as he scored 224 runs for Vidarbha in Syed Mushtaq Ali trophy at an average of 56.
Training mode π
ππ§ππ₯ππ§ππ©ππ€π£π¨ ππ§π ππ£ ππͺπ‘π‘ π¨π¬ππ£π ahead of our much-awaited homecoming ποΈ#JazbaHaiPunjabi #SaddaPunjab #PunjabKings #TATAIPL @rishid100 @jiteshsharma_ @atharva_taide14 pic.twitter.com/sry0tALKX6— Punjab Kings (@PunjabKingsIPL) March 27, 2023
In terms of how much an help he received from Bairstow, Jitesh Sharma said – “He gave me a lot of tips (about keeping). The tips on keeping, mental aspect of the game, how to be aware during a game, the movement while keeping during a match, what the basic rules of wicket keeping are.”Β
He is hopeful of having a good season under the leadership of new Captain Shikhar Dhawan. Jitesh Sharma’s confidence is such that he believes Punjab Kings have a real chance of securing their maiden IPL title.
