Age
31
Player Skill
Wicket Keeper
Batting Style
Right Handed
Bowling Style
-
Test Ranking: N/A
Jitesh Sharma
Jitesh Sharma, a dynamic wicket-keeper batter, was born on October 22, 1993, in Amrawati, located in the Vidarbha region of Maharashtra. His journey in cricket began with a standout performance in the 2012-13 Cooch Behar Trophy, amassing 537 runs in 12 innings, including two centuries and a half-century. This impressive start earned him a place in the Vidarbha senior side, marking the beginning of his professional career.
Rise to Prominence in Domestic Cricket
Debut and Initial Impact
Jitesh made his List A debut in early 2014 against Rajasthan in the Vijay Hazare Trophy, followed by his T20 debut against Uttar Pradesh in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy. Known for his aggressive batting style, he immediately made waves by scoring a brisk half-century in his first T20 outing. Although his first-class debut in 2015 against Odisha in the Ranji Trophy was less successful, his prowess in white-ball cricket became evident.
Dominance in T20 Competitions
The 2015-16 Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy saw Jitesh emerge as the third-highest run-scorer with 343 runs at a strike rate of 143.51, including a century and two fifties. His performances caught the eye of the Mumbai franchise, leading to a selection in the IPL 2016. Although he didn’t get game time that season, his talent remained undeniable.
Breakthrough and National Recognition
IPL and National Call-Up
In a pivotal career moment, Jitesh was snapped up by the Punjab franchise for the IPL 2022. His notable performances earned him retention by Punjab for the 2023 season, where he scored 309 runs in 14 games, showcasing his explosive power-hitting ability. His consistent form led to a national team call-up as a replacement for Sanju Samson against Sri Lanka in 2023.
Future Prospects and Potential
Cementing His Place in Cricket
As Jitesh Sharma continues to shine in the IPL and on the international stage, he remains a key player for Punjab. His ability to perform under pressure and his skills with the gloves make him a formidable middle-order batter. With the wicket-keeper spot in the Indian T20 team still open, Jitesh looks forward to capitalizing on future opportunities, potentially becoming a regular in the national squad, especially with the upcoming T20 World Cup.
FAQs About Jitesh Sharma
What makes Jitesh Sharma a formidable cricketer?
Jitesh Sharma is known for his aggressive batting style and his capability to score quickly, making him a crucial middle-order batsman. His skill as a wicketkeeper further adds to his versatility and value in the team.
How did Jitesh Sharma begin his cricketing career?
Jitesh began his cricketing career with a strong performance in the 2012-13 Cooch Behar Trophy, which led to his inclusion in the Vidarbha senior team and eventually his debut in List A and T20 formats.
What are Jitesh Sharma’s key achievements in the Indian Premier League?
Jitesh was retained by the Punjab franchise after his impactful 2022 season where he scored 309 runs. His power-hitting and consistency have been key highlights in his career.
Has Jitesh Sharma played for the Indian national team?
Jitesh received his national team call-up in 2023 as a replacement for Sanju Samson for the series against Sri Lanka, marking his entry into international cricket.
What are the future prospects for Jitesh Sharma?
Continuing to impress in both domestic and international formats, Jitesh aims to solidify his position in the Indian cricket team, especially with an eye on the upcoming T20 World Cup.
