EXCLUSIVE | ‘Would like to play underneath Virat Kohli…’: RCB’s new recruit Jitesh Sharma | Cricket Information – Occasions of India

Jitesh Sharma was just lately purchased by Royal Challengers Bengaluru for Rs 11 crore on the IPL 2025 mega public sale. It was an enormous elevate from the Rs 20 lakh Punjab Kings paid for the wicketkeeper-batter in 2022 because the right-hander was rewarded for his energy hitting decrease down the order. In the previous few editions, Jitesh has been very constant together with his massive hitting in direction of the fag finish of the innings and it additionally helped him discover a place in India’s T20I aspect.
The 31-year-old was naturally in demand on the IPL mega public sale and RCB, who had been on the lookout for Dinesh Karthik’s alternative, had been decided to have him of their set-up. In an unique dialog with TimesofIndia.com, Jitesh downplayed the strain of excessive price ticket and considers it as a problem to do higher for the aspect.
“No matter value is on my head, it doesn’t matter to me. I simply wish to play cricket, that’s it. It doesn’t add any strain; it provides me a problem and a thrill. It has given me confidence greater than strain, realizing that I’m value ₹11 crore. The truth that RCB has proven religion in me makes me assured and excited to play,” says Jitesh.
Jitesh was within the management group of his earlier franchise Punjab Kings because the stumper was appointed the vice-captain within the earlier version. He wasn’t retained however PBKS did train the Proper to Match choice at Rs 7 crore, which was the best bid within the room at that time. RCB, with the best bid, got an opportunity to extend the bid they usually added one other Rs four crore to make it Rs 11 crore. He’ll now transfer base to Bengaluru for the Indian Premier League and may’t wait to play in entrance of the very loyal and passionate fan base.
“I’m very excited to play in entrance of the followers as a result of, proper now, I’m in Vizag, and I can see the loyalty and craziness of the followers in direction of RCB. Once I go to bat, I see followers shouting, ‘RCB, RCB, RCB!’ I can really feel their enthusiasm, insanity, and loyalty in direction of RCB. It will likely be enjoyable, and I’m very excited and thrilled to play in entrance of them,” says Jitesh, who’s main Vidarbha within the ongoing Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy.
When requested what RCB followers can anticipate, Jitesh guarantees “leisure and efficiency.”
Jitesh additionally emphasised his flexibility in batting positions, stating his willingness to contribute wherever the group wants him.
“I don’t thoughts batting anyplace, so long as it helps the group. I can bat anyplace, anytime, if the group calls for—that’s my ideology, easy and clear,” he provides.
On the prospect of enjoying underneath Virat Kohli’s captaincy, Jitesh says, “It will likely be nice to play underneath Virat Kohli. I might like to play underneath him as a result of he’s so energetic and enthusiastic—it might push my limits. An individual who’s at all times concerned within the recreation can encourage me to push my recreation additional.”
The correct-hander additionally admires Kohli’s consistency and health, and needs to be taught from the previous India captain.
“I feel I’ll attempt to be taught from Kohli’s consistency and the way he has saved himself match and motivated over all these years,” says Jitesh.
There was a bidding conflict for Jitesh within the public sale corridor as Delhi Capitals, Lucknow Tremendous Giants, Chennai Tremendous Kings and Royal Challengers Bengaluru needed him of their set-up. Even PBKS used the RTM choice however RCB had saved sufficient cash for him and Jitesh cannot wait to be a part of the “good group”.
“I wasn’t anticipating something from the public sale. I used to be simply hoping and praying to hitch a great group the place I may play freely and specific myself. I’m extremely grateful and grateful to God that I went to RCB—it appears like the right group for me,” says Jitesh.
For Punjab Kings, Jitesh Sharma performed 40 matches, sustaining a strike price of over 151.14, solidifying his status within the league. He shall be keen to begin for RCB and is more likely to play a job much like that of Dinesh Karthik, who excelled for the group in recent times.