Kevin Pietersen and Jitesh Sharma. (Photo Source: Twitter)
Former England batter Kevin Pietersen recently was of the opinion that team India has already found their Rishabh Pant replacement, and it is none other than 29-year-old Jitesh Sharma. Pant has been out of contention for national team selection for quite some time due to the star wicketkeeper-batter being involved in a car accident back in December 2022.
However, Pietersen opined that Jitesh Sharma, who has been in excellent form for Punjab Kings in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2023, could well be the replacement for the injured Pant in the Indian side. Sharma has played seven games at the ongoing T20 carnival so far, where he has amassed 145 runs to his name.
“India have their Rishabh Pant replacement. Jitesh Sharma, the wicket-keeper from Punjab Kings, is also something special. I think he could be the guy who takes over from Rishabh Pant for India if Pant is out for a while longer. His 25 off seven balls, including four sixes, against Mumbai on Saturday was match-winning,” Pietersen wrote in his column at Betway.
Faf du Plessis has been unbelievable so far: Pietersen
Furthermore, Kevin Pietersen also reflected on the performances of veteran players in the tournament. Players like Faf du Plessis, David Warner, and Ajinkya Rahane have been performing at their very best at the IPL 2023.
Talking about their exploits in the ongoing season, Kevin Pietersen wrote, “It’s fantastic, in particular, to see the older guys going strong. There’s a lot to be said for experience, but they’re learning new tricks, too. It’s fantastic, in particular, to see the older guys going strong. There’s a lot to be said for experience, but they’re learning new tricks, too.”
Du Plessis has been wreaking havoc for Royal Challengers Bangalore, as he has amassed 405 runs in seven games so far. On the other hand, Rahane has been impressing with his quickfire knocks at the tournament as well, scoring 209 runs in five games so far.