NAGPUR: Vidarbha's swashbuckling batter Jitesh Sharma started his IPL career on Sunday with some handsome shots against quality CSK bowlers. The way Sharma came down the track on his very 2nd ball and smoked Moeen Ali for six over square-leg, it would have made Punjab Kings' skipper Mayank Agarwal a happy man in the dug-out.
The skipper had mentioned Sharma's ability to tonk the ball as one of the reasons to have him in the playing XI.
The 28-year-old struck three huge sixes during his impressive knock of 26 runs off 17 balls. With the little cameo helping Punjab Kings to 180-8, Jitesh, who hails from Amravati, became the fifth player from Vidarbha to play in the playing XI of an IPL team.
Earlier, Faiz Fazal, Amit Paunikar (both Rajasthan Royals), Shrikant Wagh (Pune Warriors) and Umesh Yadav, who is still playing, have played in the premier T20 tournament.
As wicketkeeper, Jitesh left his mark with an amazing airborne catch off Odean Smith to send Ambati Rayudu packing. "Jitesh is a natural stroke player and he showed what he is capable of during his little cameo on Sunday. I always felt that he should have been in the IPL circuit all these years. But the best part is, he worked hard relentlessly. I am confident of his good performances in the matches to come," said Wagh, who plays for Goa these days.
Paunikar said, "He is the best T20 player from Vidarbha and he deserved to be a part of the IPL." Jitesh, who was with Mumbai Indians for two years from 2016, hit the maximum (19) sixes in Syed Mushtaq Ali T20 Trophy 2022. He was also the 2nd highest run-getter with 214 runs.
After the 54-run win over CSK, Mayank Agarwal praised Jitesh. He said, "Anil (Kumble) bhai had seen Jitesh at Mumbai Indians. He has great intent and he's a fantastic keeper. The standout thing about him is his attitude."
