Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) wicketkeeper Jitesh Sharma recently spoke about his professional relationship with Virat Kohli ahead of the Indian Premier League 2026 season. The batter emphasized that they focus on conversations about the game rather than joking around in the dressing room.
Both players were retained by the franchise following their historic title victory during the 2025 season. They will begin their title defense when the Royal Challengers, led by Rajat Patidar, take on Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) in their opening fixture at Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru on Saturday, March 28.
I Had Never Interacted with Virat Kohli Before… – Jitesh Sharma
Jitesh Sharma admitted that his interactions with Virat Kohli were limited before joining the squad. He revealed his desire to learn as much cricketing knowledge as possible from the veteran batter to improve his own game. Kohli remains a key player within the franchise setup.
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“I had to do something outstanding for RCB and Virat Kohli sir. I had never interacted with him before the 2025 season, I had taken a photo with him when I was with the Punjab Kings. My only interactions with him have been about the game, he has so much knowledge,” Jitesh Sharma said on Vimal Kumar’s YouTube channel.
“If I even get one drop of it, which could prolong and improve my career, so why not? I have had meaningful conversations with him rather than joking around, and he has advised me a lot of good things. I had immense respect for him rather than fear. What can I say about that man? He is a separate energy altogether, like aura.”
Jitesh Sharma’s Match-Winning Knocks in RCB IPL 2025 Victory
Jitesh Sharma played a vital role during the previous tournament. He stepped in as captain after Rajat Patidar was injured. Needing a win against the Lucknow Super Giants to secure a top-two finish in the league stage, he guided the team to successfully chase down a 228-run target after a century from Rishabh Pant.
He delivered an unbeaten 85 off 33 deliveries to seal the win with eight balls remaining. His knock helped the franchise move closer to their eventual title, ending their 18-year wait for the trophy.
The Bengaluru-based franchise defeated Punjab Kings (PBKS), led by Shreyas Iyer, in the final at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. Jitesh scored a crucial 24 off just 10 balls, including two boundaries and as many sixes.
It Was the Best of My Career for RCB, But… – Jitesh Sharma
Jitesh Sharma said that he does not consider it the greatest knock of his professional career. The wicketkeeper-batter stated that he rates his domestic T20 debut performance for Vidarbha against Uttar Pradesh in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy higher.
“Not out bohot important hai, sir. It was the best of my career for RCB, but my best innings was during my debut in SMAT against UP, where I scored 60 runs. That innings is close to my heart, because as a 21-year-old, I was playing against Praveen Kumar, RP Singh, and Piyush Chawla,” he added.
During his debut outing, he opened the batting and scored 57 runs off 28 deliveries. Piyush Chawla dismissed him in the 13th over as his team fell nine runs short of the 205-run target.
