Jitesh Sharma reveals which teams he wants to play for if not retained by PBKS

Jitesh Sharma scored 187 runs in 14 matches for Punjab Kings in IPL 2024.

India wicketkeeper batsman Jitesh Sharma has named two franchises he would like to be a part of if his current team Punjab Kings (PBKS) do not retain him for the 2025 edition of the Indian Premier League ( IPL).

The Punjab-based franchise acquired Jitesh Sharma for INR 20 lakhs in the IPL 2022 auction. Since then, Sharma has played an excellent role as the franchise’s finisher. The wicketkeeper-batsman has played 40 matches and scored 730 runs with a brilliant strike rate of 151.14 in the IPL.

Jitesh’s brilliant performance in IPL 2022, where he scored 234 at a strike rate of 163.64, followed by an impressive 2023 season, smashing 309 runs at a strike rate of 156.06, helped him to earn a place in the Indian squad in the T20Is.

The 30-year-old then made his T20I debut against Nepal in the men’s cricket competition at the 2023 Asian Games.

Would prefer to play for CSK or MI in IPL: Jitesh Sharma

Ahead of IPL 2025 mega auction, PBKS batsman Jitesh Sharma revealed that he would prefer to play for Chennai Super Kings or Mumbai Indians in IPL if not retained by PBKS. Jitesh was bought by Mumbai Indians in the edition of IPL 2016. The batsman was retained in 2017 but never got a chance to play a single match for MI.

“Let’s see. If I am in their plans, they will retain me; otherwise they won’t because I haven’t received any communication from Punjab Kings yet. If you ask me personally, I would rather play for CSK or MI.” Jitesh Sharma told TOI.

“I have experienced the MI atmosphere and I love Wankhede because as a Maharashtrian it has always been close to my heart. During my younger days, I used to watch matches at Wankhede and sit outside, feeling the atmosphere. I want to experience that feeling while playing at the stadium for Mumbai Indians.” Jitesh added.

The 30-year-old also spoke about his desire to represent CSK because of the legendary MS Dhoni and his good friendship with current Super Kings captain Ruturaj Gaikwad.

“I would like to play for Chennai Super Kings because of Mahi bhai and because Ruturaj Gaikwad (CSK captain) is my good friend and I like playing with him the same way I like playing with Surya (Suryakumar Yadav) bhai”. Jitesh concluded.

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