"If I don't get a chance in PBKS, then MI or CSK are good options"- Jitesh Sharma opens up on upcoming IPL 2025 Mega Auction

Punjab Kings (PBKS) wicketkeeper Jitesh Sharma opened up on the upcoming IPL 2025 mega auction and said he would prefer Mumbai Indians (MI) or Chennai Super Kings (CSK) as his destination if PBKS does not acquire his services again. The 31-year-old was with Punjab from 2022 to 2024 but the franchise retained only Shashank Singh and Prabhsimran Singh ahead of the auction.

Jitesh impressed as the finisher for PBKS in IPL 2022 and 2023 with a strike rate of over 150, resulting in national selection. However, his performances dropped in IPL 2024 with a dismal average of 17 at a strike rate of 131.69 in 14 outings.

Speaking to ESPNCricinfo regarding the mega auction, Jitesh said:

"It is a mega auction, so nothing can be said. A player must be ready to go to any team. But if I don't get a chance in PBKS, then MI [Mumbai Indians] or CSK [Chennai Super Kings] are good options. I like both those teams very much."

The Maharashtra-born gloveman was also the vice-captain for PBKS in IPL 2024 and led the side in a couple of matches - something he is more than ready for in the future.

"I like this kind of responsibility very much. I have always loved captaincy and am always ready for it. I feel like when I have this pressure on me, I am able to read the match better. If I get this opportunity, I am completely ready for it," said Jitesh.

Unfortunately for Jitesh and PBKS, the side missed the playoffs in all three seasons from 2022 to 2024.

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"My batting number also kept changing" - Jitesh Sharma on his poor start to international cricket

Jitesh Sharma feels his high-risk cricket and constant changing of positions led to his poor start in international cricket.

Since his debut in late 2023, the 31-year-old gloveman has played nine T20Is for India, scoring only 100 runs at an average of 14.28 and a strike rate of 147.28. Jitesh has batted only once at No.4 and his other three stints have come at No.5 and 6.

Yet, he also acknowledged thinking too far ahead after an impressive IPL 2023 season.

"I know I play very high-risk cricket. There are a lot of risks in my shot selection. My batting number also kept changing… though that is not that important in T20 cricket. However, apart from all this, I had started thinking too far ahead. About IPL 2024, and the T20 World Cup team. Before that, I never used to think that far ahead. I used to think about one match at a time, and now I have started doing that again," said Jitesh.

Jitesh is part of the Indian squad for the upcoming four-match T20I series in South Africa, starting November 8.