IPL 2023: Jitesh Sharma is ready to play for India, says Punjab Kings batting coach Wasim Jaffer

Punjab Kings’ wicketkeeper batter Jitesh Sharma with batting coach Wasim Jaffer at Eden Gardens on Sunday. Photo: Debasis Sen

Xtra Time Web Desk: Former India opener and Punjab Kings batting coach Wasim Jaffer is impressed with Jitesh Sharma’s batting pyrotechnics in the ongoing IPL 2023 season and feels he’s ready to make Team India debut.

The 29-year-old Vidarbha ‘keeper-batter, who was signed up for just Rs 20 lakh in IPL 2022 auction, has grabbed the opportunity in absence of an injured Jonny Bairstow this season with some eye-catching knocks.

“Of course, last year too he had a decent performance. I think he has become even better, his batting has improved, he’s already a good wicketkeeper,” Jaffer said ahead of game against Kolkata Knight Riders

The Vidarbha cricketer has made all the right moves to grab the attention with his aggressive approach and stroke-making skills. He showed that against Mumbai Indians when he struck an unbeaten 49 off 27 balls in an entertaining partnership with Liam Livingstone.

Sharma had a got a maiden national call up earlier this year when he was picked in the India T20 squad for the series against Sri Lanka and New Zealand but didn’t get a game.

“I know him from Vidarbha days — I played alongside him. It feels nice to see him grow so well as a batter and as a finisher, because he has batted at No 5, 6 even 7 and whatever the team has demanded he has produced results against quality bowlers and teams. I feel he’s almost ready to play for Indian team,” Jaffer said.