‘He is making the difference’ – Rahul Chahar applauds Jitesh Sharma’s six-hitting prowess post CSK win

Jitesh Sharma and Rahul Chahar. (Photo Source : BCCI/IPL)

Shikhar Dhawan-led Punjab Kings sealed a famous last-ball victory against four-time champions Chennai Super Kings at the Chepauk on Sunday, April 30. While Sikandar Raza hit the winning runs for the Punjab Kings, Rahul Chahar lavished praise on Jitesh Sharma for his match-defining cameo.

Chasing a daunting target set by the home side, Punjab Kings were in a spot of bother after losing Liam Livingstone after a fiery innings. However, young Indian dasher Jitesh Sharma swung the match in his side’s favour with a sensational cameo. He was threatening to finish the game early before departing in the penultimate over the match, smashing 21 runs off just ten deliveries.

His teammate Rahul Chahar praised his exceptional batting skills that saw the Punjab-based outfit get over the line in a thrilling final over. Chahar also shed light on the confusion that emerged before the final delivery of the match. Apparently, the visitors wanted to retire Shahrukh Khan, who was at the non-striker end, in favour of Harpreet Brar because of his sprinting abilities.

“The way our batsmen are going, in every match we are scoring 200. So, it is a good sign for us especially Jitesh is in very good form. He is making the difference, like coming and hitting sixes on the first or second ball. I think it is very good. We were trying to send Brar in place of Shahrukh just like he can run faster. We have seen his sprints. Nothing else,” Chahar said in the post-match press conference.

We need his bowling also going further in the tournament: Chahar

The Indian spinner also lavished praise on Sikandar Raza who hit the winning runs for Punjab Kings in Chennai. However, he is hoping for more contributions from the star all-rounder with the ball in hand in the upcoming matches.

“He (Raza) is doing good. If you see 3-4 games, in one match he got man of the match award against LSG. He scored fifty. He is also doing well. We need some bowling also from him. He is doing batting better, but we need his bowling also going further in the tournament,” Chahar added.