Jitesh Sharma's numbers may not be extraordinary at present, but the keeper-batter has certainly tried his best to make meaningful contributions for Vidarbha at the domestic level as well for Punjab Kings.

Particularly in the ongoing IPL, the keeper-batter has shown his ability to hit the ball long and do so frequently in the closing overs.

It still may be a little too early, but if Jitesh does finish this IPL on a good note, he could well be back again in Team India's scheme of things for their white-ball assignments leading up to the ODI World Cup this October-November. Punjab Kings' batting coach Wasim Jaffer does sound quite optimistic about the 29-year-old.

"Last year too, Jitesh had put in decent performances. He was included in the Indian squad too (during the home T20Is against Sri Lanka back in January) but did not get an opportunity.

"I think he has become even better as his batting has improved a lot. He's already a good wicketkeeper as I know him since my Vidarbha days. I've played alongside him," Jaffer said on Sunday, the eve of Punjab's clash against Kolkata Knight Riders at the Eden.

"It feels nice to see him grow so well as a batter and as a finisher too. He has produced results against quality bowlers and teams.

"I feel he's almost ready to play for the Indian team," the former India Test opener emphasised.

Today’s match

■ KKR vs Punjab Kings, Eden Gardens, 7.30pm, live on Star Sports & Jio Cinema