Released Punjab Kings player wants to go to CSK or Mumbai Indians in IPL 2025 auction

A Punjab Kings (PBKS) star, who was released by the franchise ahead of the retention deadline and will now go under the hammer in the IPL 2025 auction, has revealed his choice of team to go to.

Jitesh Sharma, who was bought by PBKS during the IPL 2022 auction, is now targeting two teams that have won the most IPL titles (5) – Mumbai Indians (MI) and Chennai Super Kings (CSK) as his next destination.

Speaking to ESPNCricinfo, Jitesh said, “A player should be ready to go to any team. But if I don’t get a chance at PBKS, then MY [Mumbai Indians] or CSK [Chennai Super Kings] They are good options. “I really like those two teams.”

As for the retention of PBKS, the franchise decided to retain only two players – Shashank Singh and Prabhsimran Singh. Notably, Preity Zinta’s co-owning side will now participate in the upcoming IPL 2025 auction with the highest remaining portfolio value at INR 110.5 crore.

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Jitesh Sharma had a mediocre campaign in the last IPL season

Although Jitesh impressed as a PBKS finalist in IPL 2022 and 2023 with a strike rate of over 150 resulting in national selection, his performances fell in IPL 2024 with a dismal average of 17 with a strike rate of 131.69 in 14 exits.

The 31-year-old wicketkeeper-batsman also served as vice-captain of PBKS in the 2024 IPL season and took over as captain for a few games, showing his readiness for future leadership roles.

Unfortunately for Jitesh and PBKS, the team failed to make the playoffs in every season from 2022 to 2024.

Jitesh has now been included in the Indian squad for the upcoming four-match T20I series against South Africa, which begins on November 8 and will have a chance to make up for lost ground.

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