Punjab Kings (PBKS) wicketkeeper-batter Jitesh Sharma had a great season in the IPL 2023 season and he showed his skills as well. Captain Shikhar Dhawan used to send Jitesh higher up the order and the batter responded brilliantly, playing some sensational cameos as well. He did well and gained valuable experience under Dhawan’s leadership.

Speaking exclusively to Sportskeeda, Jitesh Sharma said: “He (Shikhar Dhawan) is like a guardian of the team. For him, players having the right attitude is more important than the number of runs that have been scored. He expects the players to be mentally present in the game and give their best, which is great. I used to ask him what should I do to score big and not just cameos. He told me to just feel positive about my game and back my skills. The positivity that he keeps around him is really good.”

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Sri Lankan big-hitter Bhanuka Rajapaksa also shared some advice with Jitesh Sharma on how he needs to stop putting the pressure of expectations on himself as well.

“Bhanuka Rajapaksa told me, ‘If you’re able to enjoy your performances even at the highest level, that’s when you will be able to produce match-winning knocks. If you keep thinking about performances then you will remain under pressure.’ So he too told me to enjoy the process and be patient.,” Jitesh Sharma shared about batting coach Wasim Jaffer.

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“Initially, I was about nervous as at the back of my mind I was thinking about how I would perform. I asked Wasim Bhai (Jaffer) what I need to do to prove my worth in the Indian team. He told me that I need not try and show it to anyone and advised me to be patient and enjoy my game and the pressure that comes with it,” Jitesh Sharma concluded.