'I just try to focus one match at a time' - Jitesh Sharma recalls conversation with Kagiso Rabada on representing India

Despite having a promising squad on paper, the Punjab Kings yet again showcased underwhelming performances on the field to finish at the sixth position in IPL 2022. However, they found a new rising star in Jitesh Sharma who became an overnight sensation after taking a crucial catch of the legendary MS Dhoni during a league clash against CSK.

Meanwhile, the youngster has lately recalled a conversation that he had with South African pace spearhead Kagiso Rabada during the two-month tournament where the quick had asked Jitesh whether he believes he will be able to represent India in the future. At the same time, the emerging cricketer also made it clear what he had told Rabada about his vision as far as donning the India jersey is concerned.

I don’t think too much about the future: Jitesh Sharma

“Kagiso Rabada called me after the last game and asked. Do you think you can play for India? I replied, KG I don’t think too much about the future. I just try to focus on one match at a time. To which he said that I think, in a few years. I am going to bowl against you in international cricket. Just don’t smash me,” said Jitesh Sharma during a conversation with sports presenter Dr. Yash Kashikar on his show ‘Say Yash to Sports.’

Featuring in his very first Indian Premier League season, Jitesh Sharma scored 234 runs from 12 matches that included two unbeaten knocks, and his highest individual score being 44 averaging 29.25 and a strike rate of 163.64.  The young wicketkeeper-batter was roped in for his base price of INR 20 lakh by the Punjab-based franchise.

The emerging cricketer would now be hoping for a dream run in the upcoming domestic season and it would also be interesting to see whether PBKS would be keen on retaining him next season. It also remains to be seen whether he would be able to don the Indian blues in the future.