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Kevin Pietersen Names 29-year-old PBKS Star as Ideal Replacement for Rishabh Pant

image-lh0idjwjJitesh has been impressive so far in IPL 2023 [AP Photos]

The former South African born English batsman Kevin Pietersen has been mighty impressed by the dazzling performance of Punjab wicketkeeper batsman Jitesh Sharma in the ongoing IPL edition.

With reports of Pant's unavailability confirmed for World Cup and beyond, the race for a viable replacement is on. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is on a hunt for someone who can play an attacking brand of cricket and is also well secured behind the stumps. 

But this will be no easy task for the cash-rich board. Prior to his unfortunate car accident last year, Pant was an indispensable part of the Indian cricket team. He played all formats for his national side and most particularly enjoyed playing Test cricket where he had the highest batting average of 43.67.  

Although it is being understood that Pant is recuperating at a faster-than-expected pace, he is still good 7-8 months away from live action.  While Pant continues to wait on the sidelines, a new rising talent seems to be emerging from the PBKS camp.

In his Betway column, Pietersen expressed that Jitesh has played a swashbuckling knock against Mumbai Indians and believes that he could be someone who could take over from Rishab Pant should the latter be out any while longer. 

"India has their Rishabh Pant replacement. Jitesh Sharma, the wicketkeeper 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,"

Jitesh Sharma has played 7 games this season and has accumulated 145 runs at a stunning strike rate of 149. His quickfire strike rate has been a key feature of his batting. He played a blinder of a cameo against Mumbai Indians notching 25 off just 7 deliveries propelling Punjab Kings to a 13 run victory. 

He even delivered in a loosing cause against Royal Challengers Bangalore when the entire Punjab batting looked in absolute disarray. He made a valuable 41 (27) which included 2 fours and 3 sixes.