Jitesh Sharma has emerged as one of the most promising wicketkeeper-batsmen in modern Indian cricket. Known for his explosive batting, calm wicketkeeping, and finishing abilities under pressure, Jitesh has quickly made a mark in both domestic cricket and the Indian Premier League (IPL).
His fearless stroke play and consistent performances for the Punjab Kings (PBKS) have earned him recognition as India’s next-generation T20 specialist. From local tournaments in Vidarbha to donning the Indian jersey, Jitesh’s journey is a story of perseverance, determination, and belief.
Early Life and Background
Jitesh Sharma was born on 22 October 1993 in Amravati, Maharashtra, India. He grew up in a middle-class family that valued education but also encouraged his passion for cricket. His father, Ashok Sharma, owned a small business, while his mother was a homemaker.
From a young age, Jitesh was fascinated by the sound of leather hitting the willow. He began training seriously at local cricket academies in Amravati and quickly gained attention for his natural timing and attacking batting style.
Despite facing financial challenges and limited facilities, Jitesh’s focus and dedication helped him rise through the ranks of Vidarbha cricket.
Education
Jitesh completed his schooling in Amravati and later pursued higher studies from a local college. Balancing academics with cricket was not easy, but his determination ensured that he didn’t lose focus on his goal — to represent India at the highest level.
Domestic Cricket Career
Jitesh Sharma made his List A debut for Vidarbha in the 2013–14 Vijay Hazare Trophy. His aggressive batting and ability to clear boundaries made him an instant crowd favorite.
In 2014–15, he was the highest run-scorer for Vidarbha in the Vijay Hazare Trophy, amassing over 350 runs with a strike rate of above 100. This performance brought him into the national spotlight.
He soon became a consistent performer in Ranji Trophy and Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, where he played the role of a power-hitter and a dependable wicketkeeper. His explosive batting style and sharp glovework behind the stumps caught the attention of IPL scouts.
IPL Journey: Rise with Punjab Kings
Jitesh’s IPL journey began when he was first picked by the Mumbai Indians in 2016. However, he didn’t get a chance to play that season. But his perseverance paid off when Punjab Kings (PBKS) bought him in the IPL 2022 auction for ₹20 lakh — a moment that changed his career forever.
In his debut IPL season with Punjab Kings, Jitesh impressed everyone with his finishing skills, aggressive intent, and ability to hit big sixes even under pressure. He scored quick-fire cameos that often turned the momentum of games.
His standout performances made him one of the most impactful uncapped players in IPL 2022 and 2023. He has since become an integral part of the PBKS setup, often compared to legends like MS Dhoni for his composure and hitting ability in the death overs.
🇮🇳 International Debut
Jitesh Sharma’s consistent IPL performances earned him a call-up to the Indian T20 team in 2023. He made his T20 International debut against Nepal during the Asian Games 2023, where India won the gold medal.
Later, he represented India in bilateral T20 series, displaying maturity and fearlessness. Though he hasn’t played many matches yet, his ability to adapt quickly has made him a strong contender for the future Indian T20 squad.
Playing Style and Strengths
Jitesh Sharma is an aggressive wicketkeeper-batsman, known for:
- Powerful hitting ability in the lower middle order
- Clean wicketkeeping and lightning-fast reflexes
- Calm temperament under pressure situations
- Ability to play 360° shots and accelerate the innings quickly
His batting strike rate in domestic and IPL matches often exceeds 140, making him a valuable asset in T20 cricket.
Major Achievements
- Gold Medal at Asian Games 2023 (Men’s Cricket – Team India)
- Consistent Finisher for Punjab Kings in IPL 2022–2024
- Represented Vidarbha in Ranji and Syed Mushtaq Ali tournaments
- One of the fastest half-centuries by an uncapped Indian player in IPL
Net Worth and Lifestyle
As of 2025, Jitesh Sharma’s estimated net worth is ₹6–8 Crore. His income sources include:
- IPL contract with Punjab Kings (₹20–30 lakh per season)
- Domestic cricket match fees
- Brand endorsements and local events
He leads a simple yet comfortable lifestyle and often expresses gratitude to his family and fans for their continuous support.
Personal Life
Jitesh Sharma is known to be humble, disciplined, and grounded. He is deeply attached to his family and credits his parents for his success.
Though private about his personal relationships, Jitesh often shares pictures of his training sessions, teammates, and cricket journeys on social media. His positive attitude and focus on self-improvement have made him a role model for many young cricketers in smaller towns.
Hobbies and Interests
Off the field, Jitesh enjoys:
- Fitness training and yoga
- Watching MS Dhoni’s matches (his idol)
- Traveling and photography
- Listening to motivational podcasts and music
Quick Facts
| Attribute | Details |
| Full Name | Jitesh Sharma |
| Date of Birth | 22 October 1993 |
| Birthplace | Amravati, Maharashtra, India |
| Profession | Cricketer (Wicketkeeper-Batsman) |
| Batting Style | Right-hand bat |
| Role | Wicketkeeper & Finisher |
| Domestic Team | Vidarbha |
| IPL Team | Punjab Kings (PBKS) |
| International Debut | India vs Nepal, Asian Games 2023 |
| Net Worth (2025) | ₹6–8 Crore |
| Favorite Cricketer | MS Dhoni |
Inspiration and Legacy
Jitesh Sharma’s story proves that hard work and patience always pay off, even if success takes time. From being overlooked in early IPL seasons to representing India internationally, his rise is a tale of self-belief and dedication.
He continues to inspire thousands of young cricketers from small towns who dream of wearing the Indian jersey. His fearless approach and never-give-up attitude make him a player to watch in the coming years.
