EXCLUSIVE | ‘Would love to play under Virat Kohli…’: RCB’s new recruit Jitesh Sharma | Cricket News – Times of India

Jitesh Sharma was recently bought by Royal Challengers Bengaluru for Rs 11 crore at the IPL 2025 mega auction. It was a massive raise from the Rs 20 lakh Punjab Kings paid for the wicketkeeper-batter in 2022 as the right-hander was rewarded for his power hitting lower down the order. In the last few editions, Jitesh has been very consistent with his big hitting towards the fag end of the innings and it also helped him find a place in India’s T20I side.
The 31-year-old was naturally in demand at the IPL mega auction and RCB, who were looking for Dinesh Karthik’s replacement, were determined to have him in their set-up. In an exclusive conversation with TimesofIndia.com, Jitesh downplayed the pressure of high price tag and considers it as a challenge to do better for the side.
“Whatever price is on my head, it does not matter to me. I just want to play cricket, that’s it. It doesn’t add any pressure; it gives me a challenge and a thrill. It has given me confidence more than pressure, knowing that I am worth ₹11 crore. The fact that RCB has shown faith in me makes me confident and excited to play,” says Jitesh.
Jitesh was in the leadership group of his previous franchise Punjab Kings as the stumper was appointed the vice-captain in the previous edition. He wasn’t retained but PBKS did exercise the Right to Match option at Rs 7 crore, which was the highest bid in the room at that point. RCB, with the highest bid, were given a chance to increase the bid and they added another Rs 4 crore to make it Rs 11 crore. He will now move base to Bengaluru for the Indian Premier League and can’t wait to play in front of the very loyal and passionate fan base.
“I am very excited to play in front of the fans because, right now, I am in Vizag, and I can see the loyalty and craziness of the fans towards RCB. When I go to bat, I see fans shouting, ‘RCB, RCB, RCB!’ I can feel their enthusiasm, madness, and loyalty towards RCB. It will be fun, and I am very excited and thrilled to play in front of them,” says Jitesh, who is leading Vidarbha in the ongoing Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy.
When asked what RCB fans can expect, Jitesh promises “entertainment and performance.”
Jitesh also emphasised his flexibility in batting positions, stating his willingness to contribute wherever the team needs him.
“I don’t mind batting anywhere, as long as it helps the team. I can bat anywhere, anytime, if the team demands—that’s my ideology, simple and clear,” he adds.
On the prospect of playing under Virat Kohli’s captaincy, Jitesh says, “It will be great to play under Virat Kohli. I would love to play under him because he is so energetic and enthusiastic—it can push my limits. A person who is always involved in the game can inspire me to push my game further.”
The right-hander also admires Kohli’s consistency and fitness, and wants to learn from the former India captain.
“I think I’ll try to learn from Kohli’s consistency and how he has kept himself fit and motivated over all these years,” says Jitesh.
There was a bidding war for Jitesh in the auction hall as Delhi Capitals, Lucknow Super Giants, Chennai Super Kings and Royal Challengers Bengaluru wanted him in their set-up. Even PBKS used the RTM option but RCB had kept enough money for him and Jitesh can’t wait to be part of the “perfect team”.
“I wasn’t expecting anything from the auction. I was just hoping and praying to join a good team where I could play freely and express myself. I am incredibly grateful and thankful to God that I went to RCB—it feels like the perfect team for me,” says Jitesh.
For Punjab Kings, Jitesh Sharma played 40 matches, maintaining a strike rate of over 151.14, solidifying his reputation in the league. He will be eager to start for RCB and is likely to play a role similar to that of Dinesh Karthik, who excelled for the team in recent years.