Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) wicketkeeper-batter Jitesh Sharma has credited team mentor Dinesh Karthik for his recent upturn in form with the bat in the IPL 2025 ahead of the match between RCB and Delhi Capitals (DC).
After Karthik’s retirement last year, RCB were in search of a reliable finisher—and they placed a hefty INR 11 crore bet on Jitesh during the mega-auction. Known for his finishing skills with Punjab Kings in previous seasons, Jitesh was seen as the perfect successor.
So far, the investment seems to be paying off. In three innings this season, Jitesh has tallied 85 runs at an impressive average of 42.50, striking at 184.78. His standout performance came against Mumbai Indians at the Wankhede Stadium, where he hammered a star-studded pace attack for a blistering 40 off just 19 deliveries.
Jitesh rediscovers form under Karthik
“I think last year’s performance was my mental thing. I have told everyone about that because I was not mentally in the game at that moment and I was thinking about future things. It’s been a great journey till now. Because in off-season, I really worked hard with him. Whichever shot I am playing right now is a replica of what he used to play. He is trying to create me as a new player because he believes in me that I can play all around the 360 angles. I am really enjoying to see myself in a new role. While I am playing those shots, I am very happy because I have never tried those shots. I am able to execute and all the backing he has for me,” said Jitesh in a press conference in Bengaluru a day ahead of the RCB vs DC game.
Jitesh will be back in action as RCB gear up to take on Delhi Capitals in a high-octane IPL 2025 showdown on Thursday.