Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s historic IPL 2025 title win had many heroes, but few were as quietly impactful as Jitesh Sharma. The Vidarbha wicketkeeper-batter may have ended the season with a modest total of 261 runs in 15 matches, but his explosive cameos, especially in the latter stages, proved decisive. Behind his resurgence was the guiding hand of former cricketer and RCB mentor Dinesh Karthik.
It is no secret that Karthik has played a key role in shaping Jitesh’s T20 game. Known for his inventive shot-making and calm under pressure, Karthik passed on both technical skills and tactical wisdom to the younger batter. Jitesh has openly credited the veteran’s influence, saying Karthik believes he has the potential to be a “360-degree player”—a hallmark of elite T20 finishers.
That belief came to life in a standout performance against Lucknow Super Giants during the league stage. Chasing a daunting 227, Jitesh unleashed a blistering unbeaten 85 off just 33 deliveries, steering RCB to a memorable six-wicket win. That victory not only secured RCB’s playoff spot but also reaffirmed Jitesh’s role as a game-changer.
Earlier in the season, he had taken on Mumbai Indians at the Wankhede Stadium, smashing 40 off 19 balls, including two boundaries and four sixes. While a few quiet games followed, his ability to turn up when it mattered was never in doubt.
The grandest stage, however, brought out his best again. In the IPL 2025 final against his former franchise, Punjab Kings, RCB were teetering at 131/4 in the 15th over. Jitesh’s rapid-fire 24 off 10 balls, featuring two fours and two sixes, injected life into the innings. His scoop shot for six off a Kyle Jamieson bouncer was the highlight of the night and a nod to the hard yards put in during training.
“In my initial work with him, we went through that shot—how to practice it, what it takes to use it, when to use it, all of those kinds of things,” said Dinesh Karthik. “Once he got the hang of how to do it, he became very good.”
RCB posted 190/9 and went on to defend the total, clinching their maiden IPL title. For Jitesh Sharma, it was a season where the numbers didn’t tell the full story, but the impact did.
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