Punjab Kings (PBKS) won the toss & opted to bat first against Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in the 53rd match of IPL at Eden Gardens. PBKS’ wicket-keeper batter Jitesh Sharma is in red-hot form in IPL 2023. Jitesh Sharma has managed to score 239 runs in 10 innings with a strike rate of 165.97 and has played handy cameos for the team.

The visitors made one change to their combination as Bhanuka Rajapaksa came in place of Matthew Short. PBKS have won 5 matches out of 10 and are placed at 7th position and a win in this contest would take them to 3rd place on the points table.  KKR on the other side is playing a do-or-die game, they are placed in 8th position on the points table with 8 points from 10 matches.

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KKR need the flamboyant all-rounder Andre Russell to play a breezy knock with the bat in hand. KKR would be eyeing revenge as earlier in the tournament, PBKS had won a close contest by 7 runs via the DLS method at Mohali. Once again, all the eyes would be on the spin trio Sunil Narine, Varun Chakaravarthy & Suyash Sharma who will have to restrict PBKS under 200 runs.

Punjab Kings’ wicket-keeper batter Jitesh Sharma was having an interaction with the commentators ahead of the match. Jitesh stated that the side has decided to play attacking cricket and the team is focusing on the process. Jitesh Sharma pointed out that he is contributing as much as he can to the team.

Talking about the team, Jitesh Sharma said, “(On the topsy-turvy PBKS season) This is part of the game, but our intent is the same. The process is also the same even if results haven’t gone our way. We have decided to play attacking cricket, and that’s been the plan throughout.”

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He further added, “(On his personal season) Going good so far, but had a few of those performances ended on winning notes it would have felt better for me. I’m contributing as much as I can for the team. (On playing as a hitter) I observe from outside on what is the bowler’s strength, which bowler is bowling well and what lines are they bowling. I prepare accordingly, stay ready to play certain lengths. I try and stay in the present, just keeping my focus one match at a time.”