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'When you play for India, don't smash me': PBKS star Jitesh Sharma reveals Kagiso Ragaba's bold prediction

PBKS' wicket-keeper batter Jitesh Sharma was one of the finest uncapped players in the recently concluded 2022 Indian Premier League (IPL). The stumper was impressed with his power-hitting ability and led his side to some big finishes over the course of the tournament. Jitesh opened up on a conversation with Kagiso Rabada after his team's final match of the tournament.

TN Sports Desk

Updated Jun 28, 2022, 17:59 IST

Jitesh Sharma had an impressive season with the bat for Punjab Kings in IPL 2022 |Courtesy-BCCI/IPL

KEY HIGHLIGHTS

Jitesh Sharma was one of the stand-out uncapped performers in IPL 2022
Jitesh scored 234 runs in 12 matches for PBKS
He was purchased by the Punjab-based side for Rs. 20 lakhs at the auction

Among a host of uncapped Indian players who impressed the cricketing world in the recently concluded 2022 Indian Premier League (IPL), one of them was Punjab Kings' (PBKS) wicket-keeper batter Jitesh Sharma. The 28-year-old was one of the consistent players across the tournament for the Punjab-based side.

Jitesh made a reputation of being one of the finest lower-order Indian batters in the tournament and provided his side with quick finishes on a number of occasions. This led to legendary Indian batter Virender Sehwag call for his inclusion in the Indian team for the T20 WC as the 'back-up' wicket-keeper.

In a recent interaction, Jitesh has revealed his teammate Kabiso Rabada made a bold prediction and told him that he will play for India soon. The PBKS stumper further revealed a hilarious request with the South African pacer, who asked to go easy on him when they play each other in an international match.

"After the last match, Kagiso Rabada called me up, asked me to sit beside him and said 'do you think you can play for India?'. I said 'KG, I don't think about the future. I try to focus on every match, taking it one match at a time and concentrate on every single day.' He said 'I think, in a few years, I'm going to bowl to you in international cricket, just don't smash me'," said Jitesh on Yash Kashikar's Instagram show 'Say Yash to Sports.'

Jitesh Sharma played 12 matches for PBKS in IPL 2022 and scored 234 runs with an impressive average and strike-rate of 29.25 and 163.64 respectively. The 2014 runner's up had signed him in the mega auction for his base price of Rs. 20 lakhs.

PBKS had a disappointing end to the season as they failed to reach the playoffs. The Mayank Agarwal-led outfit finished 6th in the table with a record of seven wins and as many losses in the league stage of the 2022 IPL.

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