We had to score 10-15 extra to give cushion to our bowlers: Jitesh

Punjab Kings recorded their fourth win in seven matches to consolidate their position on number five in the points table after a 13-run victory against Mumbai Indians in a high-scoring clash at the Wankhede Stadium on Saturday, April 23. 

After being asked to bat first, Punjab were 115 for four in 15 overs before they stepped on the accelerator and amassed 96 off the last 30 deliveries to post a mammoth 214 runs in the first innings. 

Coming in at number seven, Jitesh Sharma smashed 25 off seven balls, including four massive sixes to give the innings much-needed impetus in the back end. 

In the post-match press conference, the 29-year-old shared insights on his performance and the preparations in the lead-up to the competition. 

"It is all about the preparations, and that is the reason I was able to implement them in matches. Everybody knows how the Wankhede wicket works, and we all know that 200+ is a total which we can defend."

"When I went to bat, I knew I had to score 10-15 runs extra to give cushion to my bowlers. If we score around 190, it might be close, but it would have been easier for Mumbai to chase."

"I prepare for three situations - If a wicket goes early or if I am batting in the middle order with wickets in hand and slog overs. I work on these situations and try to watch the ball like a hawk, which helps me," he added.  

The wicket-keeper also heaped praises on his teammate, Arshdeep Singh, for his match-winning four-wicket haul and his ability to handle pressure at the death, which helped Punjab get over the line. 

"Obviously, because we practice it in the nets every day, we are able to do it in the match. It's not a wonder or magic that happens in a day. Arshdeep works hard in the nets, bowling around the wicket, over the wicket and wide yorkers and hard work paid off today,"

"He is a smart bowler and is someone who is very keen and eager to learn every day. He pushes himself to improve day by day," he concluded. 

Punjab Kings will lock horns against Lucknow Super Giants in an evening encounter on Friday, April 28, in Mohali.