Jitesh Sharma. Remember the name. This IPL season, he hasn’t just walked into the Royal Challengers Bangalore squad; he’s swaggered in, leaving an indelible mark on their journey to the top two. While the limelight often finds the big names, Jitesh has been the quiet force, the architect of momentum, and now, the stand-in captain delivering under immense pressure.
His recent maiden IPL fifty, a match-winning masterclass that propelled RCB to the all-important Qualifier 1, was merely the tip of the iceberg. Even before that sensational knock, Jitesh was subtly, yet significantly, altering the course of matches. His contributions, though not always statistically eye-popping, have been pivotal to RCB’s outcomes. It’s a testament to his character and understanding of the game, a trait perhaps fostered by his long-standing bond with Rajat Patidar.
As former Indian cricketer Deep Dasgupta eloquently put it to RevSportz, “Jitesh and Rajat go way back. Same coach, same batch. They’ve grown up together. They also spend a lot of time together off the field, so there’s a deep sense of trust. That’s why you see Jitesh being vocal and Rajat backing him without hesitation.” This chemistry has undoubtedly played a role in Jitesh’s seamless integration and impact within the team, even when Patidar was at the helm.
What truly sets Jitesh apart is his prowess in the death overs. With 102 runs in the last four overs at a staggering strike rate of 182.14 and an average of 34.00, he’s proven to be a finisher par excellence. The sheer power he generates is evident in his boundary-hitting ability – 8 fours and 8 sixes mean a phenomenal 78.43% of his death-over runs have come in boundaries. That’s the kind of explosive hitting that can snatch victories from the jaws of defeat, a quality every T20 side yearns for.
Beyond his batting heroics, Jitesh has also been a livewire behind the stumps, currently holding the joint-highest number of dismissals by a wicketkeeper in IPL 2025. It’s a testament to his all-round athleticism and dedication to the team’s cause.
For More Sports Related Content Click Here
Now, with Rajat Patidar carrying an injury, Jitesh has stepped up to the captaincy plate – an added responsibility that, remarkably, hasn’t dulled his batting brilliance. This resilience and ability to compartmentalise pressure speak volumes about his mental fortitude. While he acknowledges the long road ahead in his captaincy journey, his performances with both bat and gloves have unequivocally justified RCB’s faith in him.
Today, Jitesh faces a unique challenge and opportunity: he’s up against his former franchise, Punjab Kings. The IPL has a funny way of bringing out the best in players against their previous teams – a narrative that often adds an extra layer of fire and motivation. RCB fans will be hoping this holds true for Jitesh. His intimate knowledge of the Punjab Kings setup, their strategies, and perhaps even individual player tendencies, could prove to be an invaluable asset in the high-stakes Qualifier 1.
As RCB stands on the precipice of the final, Jitesh Sharma’s form, his leadership, and his quiet determination will be paramount. The stage is set for this revelation to continue his golden run and potentially lead RCB to glory. It’s more than just a game; it’s a narrative of trust, resilience, and the emergence of a true match-winner.
Also Read: Playing bold has given RCB the momentum that makes fans believe