Cricket

SA vs IND 2023: Jitesh Sharma is a Suryakumar Yadav-type player, says Irfan Pathan

Former Indian all-rounder Irfan Pathan has backed Jitesh Sharma to play ahead of Ishan Kishan in T20Is. Pathan said Sharma is a Suryakumar Yadav-type player, who can take the game away from the opposition with his blistering batting.

Meanwhile, Ishan Kishan played in the first three T20Is against Australia whereas Sharma was backed in the last two games of the series. Kishan scored 110 runs in three T20I matches at an average of 36.67 and a strike rate of 144.74 in the series. On the other hand, Jitesh Sharma returned with scores of 35 and 24 in the last two matches against the Aussies.

Sharma is known to hit the ground running and can bat in the lower order whereas Pathan feels Kishan is a one-trick pony as he is best suited for the opening slot. But India already has top-order batters like Yashasvi Jaiswal, Rohit Sharma, Shubman Gill and Ruturaj Gaikwad.

“I will play Jitesh hands down. I have maintained from earlier that if you have to play Ishan, whether it is ODIs or T20Is, you have to play him at the top, and there is a traffic jam at the top,” said Pathan on Star Sports.

Meanwhile, Sharma scored 309 runs in 14 matches with a strike rate of 156.06 in IPL 2023 while playing for Punjab Kings.

“When you bat in the middle order, you will get spin in front of you, and there you (Kishan) might have difficulties at times. Jitesh Sharma is a slightly creative player. He is a Suryakumar Yadav-mold type player. You will see him playing the lap and different types of shots,” Pathan added.

Jitesh Sharma is part of the T20I squad against South Africa and he will aim to make the most of his opportunity. The first T20I between these two teams was washed out due to persistent rain.

The second game will be played at St George’s Park, Gqeberha on Tuesday.

About the Author


Written by DafaNews

DafaNews brings you the most highlighted news in the world of Sports. It serves you up-to-date matches, scores, live streams, fantasy games and quizzes. Our news covers India's prestigious leagues and events – Premier League, Pro Kabbadi League, Cricket World Cup and many more. Follow DafaNews on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter,Telegram and Youtube for more updates.

Related Post
Share
Published by
DafaNews

Recent Posts

“Never expected a very easy run” – Gautam Gambhir reflects on his tenure as coach after IND vs NZ 2024 Test series defeat

India’s head coach Gautam Gambhir has admitted that he never expected a very easy run… Read More

October 31, 2024

Probably has a lot to do with playing on flat wickets in T20 – Gautam Gambhir on decline of good defensive technique in Test cricket

India’s head coach Gautam Gambhir feels T20 cricket has led to the downfall of a… Read More

October 31, 2024

India needs Mumbai Test win before Australia tour – Gautam Gambhir

Indian head coach Gautam Gambhir feels the Rohit Sharma-led team desperately needs to win the… Read More

October 31, 2024

I cannot say just the batters have let us down – Gautam Gambhir feels everyone should take responsibility for series loss against New Zealand

India’s head coach Gautam Gambhir refused to blame the batters after the team’s 2-0 series… Read More

October 31, 2024

It was insane – Bronny James after scoring his first NBA bucket

Los Angeles Lakers rookie Bronny James was on cloud nine after he managed to score… Read More

October 31, 2024

I’m happy with my team’s performance: Mohun Bagan SG head coach Jose Molina after win against Hyderabad FC

Mohun Bagan Super Giant head coach Jose Molina was delighted with the team’s performance after… Read More

October 31, 2024